PrepaTec EGL Final Project Experimental Science Ivana Kullick Galván (A01286056) Taeyun Lee (A01198953) Leonel Bailón Sifuentes (A01286177) Brainstorm and evaluation of ideas: 1. Produce a soap and demonstrate the saponification process. (Pure Science) - Is the topic relevant? What are the possible applications for this knowledge? The knowledge that can be applied to this experiment is the saponification process, which occurs when triglycerides are combined with a strong base to form fatty acid metal salts during the soap-making process. - Is it feasible to make with the equipment and materials that we have in the Lab? There would not be all materials, but it is accessible to get the equipment and materials in stores. The materials required for making this lab are coconut oil, 20% of NaOH, and common salt. We have most of the equipment in the Lab (measuring cylinders, beakers, blue and red litmus papers, glass rods, filter funnel, filter paper, iron stand, hot plate, and spatula). - Is it feasible for the time that we have during this semester? Yes, is available to finish this semester. 2. Produce a soap made from the essential oil of an aromatic plant. (Applied Science) - Is the topic relevant? What are the possible applications for this knowledge? Essential oils can be extracted from various methods. For our experiment, we will extract the essential oil of lavender using steam distillation, which is the most popular method for plant essential oil extraction. - Is it feasible to make with the equipment and materials that we have in the Lab? Among the materials needed for the extraction and the final product, we need a still, a condensation flask, and a separator for the procedure of oil extraction; and we need a ph balanced soap, a microwave, and a soap mold to create the soap. - Is it feasible for the time that we have during this semester? Yes, it might take a little longer than other experiments but it can be done perfectly during the semester. 3. Make a launching mini rocket demonstrating Newton’s Laws of Motion. (Pure Science) - Is the topic relevant? What are the possible applications for this knowledge? By creating a water bottle rocket we are able to demonstrate Newton’s second and third laws of motion. Moreover, this is exactly how we can explain how real-life rockets are launched into space. - Is it feasible to make with the equipment and materials that we have in the Lab? Yes, we will need materials that we can find in our house such as a pet bottle, water, a cork, tape, a cutting board, and a bike pump. - Is it feasible for the time that we have during this semester? Yes, it can take less than an hour to create. Chosen experiment: After analyzing our options, we chose to do the second experiment: produce a soap made from the essential oil of an aromatic plant. (Applied Science) 1. Description of the product and why it will be better than the ones that are in the market. We have chosen the lavender plant to extract its oil from and create the soap because lavender oil has multiple benefits. It provides stress relief, improves mood, helps you fall asleep, is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, and is gentle for sensitive skin. Since our soap will be ph neutral, it will work on any type of skin; and because it is made with natural ingredients, it will be eco-friendly. 2. Description and purpose of the laboratory analysis. As stated before, we will be using steam distillation to extract the lavender oil. For this process, the plant is placed in a still, and through an inlet, steam is injected to then release the plant’s aromatic molecules and turn them into vapor. This vapor travels to the condensation flask and here, two separate pipes divide hot from cold water; the cold water enters the condenser and this converts the vapor back into liquid. The aromatic liquid drops from the condenser and is collected in a separator, this separates the water from the essential oil. 3. List of materials required. - Still - Condensation flask - Separator - Microwave - Microwavable bowl - Measuring cups and spoons - Ph balanced soap - Lavender essential oil - Soap mold 4. Estimation of the time for the product to be completed We estimate a total of two hours to complete the experiment. One hour for the essential oil extraction and another hour for the soap making. References: A Comprehensive Guide to Essential Oil Extraction Methods. (2017). Newdirectionsaromatics.com. https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/articles/how-essential-oils-aremade.htmlc amritacreate. (2015). Saponification: The process of Making Soap - MeitY OLabs [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmQV3Qs9Qzk&t=81s Formaro, A. (2022, April 15). Lavender Soap Recipe. Crafts by Amanda. https://craftsbyamanda.com/how-to-make-lavender-soap/ Lavender. (2020, December). Potager Soap Company. Potager Soap Company. https://potagersoap.com/blog/lavender-soapbenefits#:~:text=The%20lavender%20plant%20is%20naturally,help%20you%20 combat%20inflammation%20dail. S. (2023, January 15). Aromatics: How to Make Great Soup. SoupAddict. https://soupaddict.com/aromatics-how-to-make-great-soup/ The Sci Guys. (2013). The Sci Guys: Science at Home - SE1 - EP18: Water Bottle Rockets [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii6D1R6lXVA Tongnuanchan, P., & Benjakul, S. (2014). Essential Oils: Extraction, Bioactivities, and Their Uses for Food Preservation. Journal of Food Science, 79(7), R1231– R1249. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.12492
