Early fall (or autumn as it’s known here in the UK) is apple season! With the abundance of fruit, comes lots of opportunities for apple-related science for kids. Here are some apple science activities and project ideas to get you started at home or school.
Parts of an apple printables
Use these free, simple printables to explore the parts of an apple alongside cutting open the fruit. There is an option to cut and paste the words alongside an apple anatomy diagram, or use the ‘lift the flap’ activity where children can write the names of each part in the blank boxes.
The life cycle of an apple tree
Help children understand the apple tree life cycle by sequencing the stages. For a ready-to-go life cycle printable, try this differentiated foldable sequencing activity from my TeachersPayTeachers store (UK and US versions included).
If you want to make your own life cycle activities, try this free clip art set from Hidesy’s Clipart.
Mummify an apple
Yes, you read that correctly! Combine ancient Egyptian history and science by observing the changes over time. This video from Leeds City Museum will show you how to mummify an apple, using easy-to-find ingredients and equipment.
Apple investigations and experiments
Can you fit an apple investigation into your current science topic? Here are some things children could investigate whilst working scientifically.
Do larger apple varieties have the most seeds? Do all apples of the same variety have the same number of seeds?
What stops apples from going brown? Try this experiment from Little Bins Little Hands.
Try some different edible apples to compare shape, size, taste, smell, and appearance and record your findings.
Create slopes with different angles and record the time it takes for an apple to roll down each one.
Apple bird feeder
Use whole apples to create an apple bird feeder for garden birds. Take some wooden BBQ skewers and push through an apple to create 4 perches. Tie a piece of string to each perch and then, tie the 4 ends together at the top in a tight knot.
Press the pointed ends of black sunflower seeds (which are high in nutrients) into the skin and flesh of the apple. Hang the apple somewhere accessible for birds and see what comes to feed.
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