Can You Taste With a Plugged Nose?
Easy
Ever wonder how smell affects taste? In this experiment, you'll find out by testing how well people can identify different types of baby food with their noses plugged.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that if someone's nose is plugged and cannot smell, then they cannot detect food flavors as well as when they are only blindfolded.
Method & Materials
You will blindfold a volunteer, plug their nose, and give them a spoonful of baby food. Ask them what they think it is and record their response. Repeat this with all five types of baby food for three volunteers.
You will need a bandana, one jar of each type of baby food, 5+ spoons, at least 3 volunteer "tasters", nose plugs (optional), and paper and pencil.
Results
The results of this experiment showed that the volunteers were less able to identify the flavors of the baby food when their noses were plugged. The observation that stood out was that the volunteers were more likely to distinguish between a pretzel and an apple than an apple and a pear, as these foods have different, distinct textures.
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting because it demonstrates how smell affects taste and how our senses work together to create the flavor of food.
Also Consider
Variations of this experiment could include testing different types of food, such as candy or chips, or testing with different senses, such as sound or touch.
Full project details
You can find additional information and details for this science fair project here. Have fun exploring!Related videos
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