Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom

October Page

Oklahoma Fruit of the Month: Apple

Of all the tree fruit crops, apples and peaches are best adapted to Oklahoma conditions. Apples bloom later and are less susceptible to the spring frosts that are common in our state. Oklahoma apples are also susceptible to damage from insects and fungus, so they aren't always the perfect apples you might be accustomed to seeing in the grocery store. However, they are great for making applesauce and pies or for drying.

Play With Your Food: Apples

Enzymes cause chemical reactions. As apples react with oxygen in the air, a chemical reaction changes the starch to sugar, turning the apple brown. Divide students into groups of four or five. Give each group seven apple pieces. Students will use the Scientific Method Format to conduct the following experiments on the apple pieces.

On a graph, record what happens after 10 minutes, 30 minutes, one hour, three hours, six hours and 24 hours.

Extra: Try this experiment with other fruits and veggies, e.g., eggplant, carrot, banana, potato, etc.

Be a Food Explorer: Apple

• Bring assorted varieties of apples to class and have a tasting contest.
• Place apple slices on thick whole grain crackers and top them with cheese slices. Heat them on a baking sheet in a 400 degree oven.
• Spread peanut butter or cream cheese on apple slices

Facts about apples

Field of Stars - an apple story/demonstration.

Picking Apples (song)

Two Poems about Apples, with discussion questions

Apple (1 medium)

Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Books

Lipton, Eden Ross, and Mordicai Gerstein, Applesauce Season, Roaring Brook, 2009.

Three generations of urban homebodies and apple lovers take part in a seasonal rite that leads form farmer's market to stove top to dining room table.

Richards, Jean, A Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds, Millbrook, 2003. (Preschool)

Introduction to seeds, their purpose and growth.

Stone, Lynn, Fruit (Plant Parts), Rourke, 2007. (Grades PreK-2)

Beautifully photographed book about fruit is basic but accurate. It is an excellent resource for teaching pollination and seed development and the difference between a fruit and a vegetable.

Wellington, Monica, Apple Farmer Annie, Dutton, 2001.

Annie, the apple farmer, saves her most beautiful apples to sell fresh at the farmer's market in the city. She picks plenty of sweet, crunchy apples and makes applesauce, apple cider and baked apple treats.

More Ag-Related Books for Children and Young Adults

P.A.S.S.

• PreK: Math—5.2. Science Process— 1.3,4. Physical Science—2.1
• Kindergarten: Math—5.1,2. Science Process—1.2,3. Physical Science—1.1
• Grade 1: Math Process—1.1; 2.1; 4.4; 5.1. Science Process—1.1; 3.1,2; 4.3. Physical Science—1.1
• Grade 2: Math Process—1.1; 2.1; 4.4; 5.1. Science Process—1.1; 3.1,2; 4.3.
• Grade 3: Math Process—1.1; 2.1; 4.4; 5.1. Science Process—1.1; 3.1,2; 4.3.
• Grade 4: Math Process—1.1; 2.1; 4.4; 5.1. Science Process—1.1; 3.1,2; 4.3.
• Grade 5: Math Process—1.1; 2.1; 4.4; 5.1. Science Process—1.1; 3.1,2; 4.3.
• Grade 6: Math Process—5.1. Science Process—1.1; 3.1,5; 4.1,5; 5.4
• Grade 7: Science Process—1.1; 3.1,5; 4.1,5; 5.4
• Grade 8: Math Process—5.1. Science Process—1.1; 3.1,5; 4.1,5; 5.4

October Page

Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom

Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom is a program of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the Oklahoma State Department of Education.