5th Grade Science Project
Natural vs. Artificial: Can You Taste the Difference?
You probably know that cane sugar isn't good for you in large doses,
but did you know that many artificial sweeteners can't even be processed
by your body? Although many opt for artificial sweeteners because they
have fewer calories than regular sugar, many studies have found that they
can actually be worse for your health. Artificial sweeteners often contain
chemicals that trick your body into thinking it's getting real sugar, causing
your body to release sugar-digesting enzymes when there's no sugar to
digest. These chemicals also have many unhealthy side effects.
Which do you prefer: natural or artificial? Try this sweet little science
experiment in which you'll try the real stuff alongside the artificial to see
which tastes better, and then do a little research to decide which is best for
you. This will help you develop a better awareness of the food you
consume by helping you record the calories, ingredients, and overall
nutritional value of each food you taste and analyze your findings.
What You Need: choose three from the pair of choices or you can
come up with a pair on your own.
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Real maple syrup/Pancake syrup containing high fructose corn syrup
Cane sugar/Artificial sweetener such as Splenda or Equal
Honey/Honey flavoring
Fresh orange juice/Orange juice from concentrate
Oreo cookies/Trader Joe’s brand name Oreo cookies
Paper
Pencil
**Fresh and Easy sells items without high fructose corn syrup or
hydrogenated oils. **
What You Do:
1. Set up the experiment by preparing small samples of each food for
tasting, arranging them in sets according to type. For example, place
the maple syrup with the pancake syrup, the cane sugar with the
Splenda, etc. Keep track of which item is which, but keep it a secret
from the taste testers so that the experiment is accurate.
2. Have three different people taste the items and record their thoughts
on each one. Encourage them to answer the following questions:
 Which sample tastes better?
 How do the samples differ in taste and appearance?
 How are they similar?
 Which do you think is artificial?
3. Reveal to them the identity of each sample and compare with their
predictions.
 Did they guess right?
4. Read the ingredients of each sweetener and use the Internet to
research how the production methods of natural cane sugar and
artificial sweeteners differ. Make sure to also look up any ingredients
you don't recognize.
5. Form a conclusion about natural vs. artificial sugar. Which tastes
better, and which is better for your health?
6. Create a board with pictures and include each part of the Scientific
Method on your board.
7. You will give a short 2-4 minute presentation.
***Remember: moderation is key! Any sweetener, whether natural or not, is
unhealthy in large amounts. Keep sugar to a minimum, and your body will
thank you.
Scientific Methods
Scientists use scientific methods to answer questions and solve problems.
You can use the worksheet provided or make one of your own.
Background Information
 Research how the production methods of natural cane sugar and
artificial sweeteners differ.
 Make sure to also look up any ingredients you don't recognize.
Research Question
What is the question you are trying to answer?
 Natural vs. Artificial: Can You Taste the Difference?
Hypothesis
A hypothesis is an educated guess. This is the prediction of what you think
will happen in the experiment.
Identify and Control Variables
Variables are factors that can change. For this project, you will need to test
different materials.
 List all the materials you will need.
Test your Hypothesis.
Make a plan to test your hypothesis. Collect materials and tools. Then
follow your plan.
Collect and Record Your Data.
Keep good records of what you do and find out. Organize your notes and
records to make them clear. Make diagrams, charts, or graphs to help.
Attach all graphs, tables, and charts. Pictures can be added as well.
State Your Conclusion.
Your conclusion is a decision you make based on your data. Analyze your
data and state what the investigation showed. You might accept or reject
your hypothesis.
This is what your board should look like.
Name __________________________________
Natural vs. Artificial: Can You Taste the Difference?
Rubric
Board (60 pts.)
 Research questions (10 pts.)
 Hypothesis (10 pts.)
 List Variables(10 pts.)
 Hypothesis (10 pts.)
 Data (10 pts.)
 Conclusion (10 pts.)
_________
The project shows time, (15 pts.)
thought, and care in preparation.
_________
Following directions (10 pts.)
The project review is on time.
The written description is included.
All of the requirements have been met.
_________
Presentation 2-4 minutes (15 pts.)
Overall Delivery (Knowledge of the
subject is clearly demonstrated to the
audience)
_________
Total points (100 pts.)
_________
Grade
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