Science Smarts: The smells of the season

By PATTY ROOKS on December 10, 2021.

I have absolutely loved the sprinkling of snow we had this week. It truly does make it feel more like the Holiday Season is fast approaching.

Of course, this means we are all decorating. With all of the uncertainty and loss we have had in the past few weeks throughout the country, there is a shortage of Christmas trees. Although unfortunate, I know I will make do with an artificial one. The only thing I am missing is that fragrance that comes with a real tree. Of course, I have come up with a solution rooted in science.

Let’s get started!

Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

– Unflavoured gelatin

– Pine essential oil

–Goggles

– Water

– Stove

– Pot

– Measuring spoons

– Measuring cups

– Stirring spoon

– Salt

— Decorative glass jars to store in

– Food colouring (optional)

Procedure

Measure 250 mL (one cup) of water and pour into the pot. Bring to a boil.

Add four packages of unflavoured gelatin and stir well.

Once the gelatin is dissolved, add one 250 mL (one cup) of cold water. Stir well.

If you wish, at this point, add a few drops of food colouring.

Stir in 15 mL (one tablespoon of salt).

Add about 20 drops of essential oil (make it as strong as you prefer).

Have an adult help you pour the hot liquid into the jars.

Place where near your artificial tree so it can seem more like a real tree!

What is going on?

I know it seems like a simple experiment but there is a bit of science going on in these simple air fresheners you made. Gel air fresheners will scent your air for a long time because they use gelatin which is a polymer. This specific polymer is a protein that forms a matrix structure allowing the essential oils to suspend and become trapped in there. As the water begins to evaporate, and the gelatin shrinks up the scent is released into the air.

Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community”. Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. We are located at #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403.527.5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca.

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