Plant and Animal Fat Facts
Difficulty of Project
Care should be taken when using hot water.
Approximate Time Required to Complete the Project
One day to collect the data; one day to write the results and prepare the science fair display.
Compare plant and animal fats
Materials and Equipment
- 1 tablespoon of butter (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Masking tape
- Brown paper bag
- 3 re-sealable plastic bags
- 3 cotton swabs
- 3 plastic straws
- Glass bowl
- Measuring cups
- Wax paper
- 2 clear plastic cups
We get fats from plant and animal sources. Peanut oil, olive oil, and vegetable oil are all fats that come from plants. The fat on a piece of meat is an example of animal fat. Butter is also an animal fat because it comes from cow’s milk.
In this investigation, the student will observe, record, and dry conclusions about the similarities and differences between plant and animal fats.
Terms, Concepts, and Questions to Start Background Research
fat: greasy substance forming tissue in plants and animals
- Where do fats come from?
- How are plant and animal fats alike? How are they different?
- Gather the necessary materials.
- Label the re-sealable plastic bags “Water,” “Butter,” and “Oil.”
- Place the water, butter, and vegetable in the appropriate plastic bag and seal tightly. Observe and record.
- Have an adult pour about 2 cups of hot tap water into the bowl.
- Place the sealed plastic bags in the water. Leave the plastic bags in the hot water for about five minutes. Observe and record the changes.
- Lay the brown paper bag flat on a table. Draw three sections on the bag and label the sections “Water,” “Oil,” and “Butter.”
- Remove the plastic bags from the hot water. Carefully dip a cotton swab into each of the bags wetting the tips. Reseal the plastic bags. Place each cotton swab on the appropriate section of the brown paper bag. Wait five minutes. Observe and record the changes.
- Place a piece of wax paper on the table. Using the masking tape, create three sections on the wax paper and label the sections “Water,” “Oil,” and “Butter.” Using the straws, carefully remove a drop of each liquid from the bags and place it on the appropriate section. Use a different straw for each liquid. Observe and record.
- Use the straw to carefully mix the liquids: water/oil, water/butter, and butter/oil. Observe and record after each mixing.
- Label the two cups “Oil” and “Butter.”
- Pour ½ cup of water into each cup. Then add oil or butter from the plastic bags to the appropriate cup. Observe and record.
“Learning About Fats” at http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/fat.html
“Fats and Oils in Foods: How Much for Kids?” at http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/resources/Nibbles/Nibbles_Newsletter_22.pdf
“How Fats Work” by Marshall Brain at http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/fat.htm
Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state’s handbook of Science Safety.