Sweet Celery...

Ages: All ages of Kid Scientist can set up this exploration.  See the end of the post for extensions for Big Kids.

Materials: Tall water glass, stalks of celery, water, salt, sugar

Procedure: 

• Fill the glass with water and add 2 tbs of sugar
• Mix well
• Cut the end off a stalk of celery under running water.  Leave the leafy end, leafy
• Place the cut end of the celery into the glass
• Leave for several hours or overnight
• Taste
• What do you notice?

* Try this same procedure with salt water

Extensions for Big Kids:

• Set up three glasses with different amounts of sugar or salt.  Make sure you record how much sugar is in each glass.  Is there a difference in the results?  How could you measure that difference?
• What's happening?  Research osmosis and write an explanation of this exploration.
• Does this work with carrots?   Cucumbers?  Lettuce?  Explore this process withn different plants.

The Science Mommy would love to hear about what you learn!