We are knee-deep in our Egypt unit over here in the 6th grade. This means pyramids, pharaohs, and especially mummies. To really emphasize the mummification process, we spend a day mummifying apples, then observe them for the rest of the week. We take notes on the size, look, smell, and overall decay on these apples. Each group of 4 students receives 2 apple halves, and preserves them in different substances (table, salt, epsom salts, baking soda, and combinations of each of these). We also have one apple left alone to act as our control (for a non-science teacher, I'm proud of myself for even knowing this).
The kids really enjoy the process and get into the idea of their apple mummies. They usually get over the "gross rotting factor" pretty quickly and do a pretty good job on their observations.
Spoiler Alert: They all essentially decay at the same rate, no matter the substance in which they've been preserved! (Well, except for the control, of course, which was pretty disgusting by the end of the week).
What hands-on activities have been happening in your classroom?
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