How to Keep Your Jack-O from Turning Wacko

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective is to determine which technique preserves jack-o-lanterns the best. Methods/Materials We obtained 30 pumpkins, 10 large and 20 small sized pumpkins. We then carved all of the pumpkins. The jack-o-lanterns were seperated into ten groups each with one large pumpkin and two small ones. Next, we applied a different preservation technique to each of the groups. Our preservation techniques were composed of rubbing the jack-o-lantern with salt, covering a jack-o-lantern with plastic wrap, rubbing a jack-o-lantern with vinegar, brushing on vegetable oil to a jack-o-lantern, submerging a jack-o-lantern in bleach solution, spraying hairspray on a jack-o-lantern and spraying a jack-o-lantern with Raid pesticide spray, placing garlic in the inside of the jack-o-lantern, covering the jack-o-lanterns with petroleum jelly,and finally leaving one as a control. For the next two weeks we measured the decomposition of our jack-o-lanterns by leaving them outside and recording how well they were rotting according to our relative scale. Results Our results show that when preserving a jack-o-lantern, soaking it in a bleach solution is the best technique. Using this technique the jack-o-lantern ends up looking visually better, smelling the best, and does not promote mold growth. Conclusions/Discussion Our conclusion shows that using different techniques to preserve pumpkins has a strong affect on how it will weather for two weeks. While some techniques slow down the decomposition process, others increase mold growth and decompostion.

Awards (1)

• Honorable Mention

Competition history

• CSEF 2007 Microbiology · Entry J1410

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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