Taste Experiment Procedures and Concepts

Caitlin from the Ontario Science Centre introduces a home experiment to explore how we taste. She explains the role of papillae and taste buds, debunks the myth of the tongue map, and introduces umami as the fifth basic taste. The video provides step-by-step instructions for a taste experiment using common household items, encouraging viewers to record and compare their results.

What are the small bumps on your tongue called?

• Micro villi

• Papillae

• Taste buds

• Salivary glands

Which of the following is NOT a basic taste?

• Sweet

• Salty

• Spicy

• Umami

What is umami often associated with?

• Sweet desserts

• Bitter coffee

• Savory foods

• Sour candies

Which of the following is NOT needed for the taste experiment?

• Lemon juice

• Vinegar

• Table salt

• Cotton swabs

What should you do before starting the experiment?

• Ask an adult for permission

• Mix all ingredients together

• Taste each ingredient directly

• Skip the setup

What is the purpose of using a q-tip in the experiment?

• To mix the ingredients

• To measure the ingredients

• To clean the tongue

• To apply the taste samples to different parts of the tongue

Why is it important to cleanse your palate with water during the experiment?

• To enhance the taste of the next sample

• To avoid mixing flavors

• To make the tongue map more colorful

• To cool down the tongue

What should you do if you taste the same flavor strongly in multiple areas of your tongue?

• Ignore it

• Record it on the tongue map

• Try a different ingredient

• Stop the experiment

What is the final step after completing the taste experiment?

• Start the experiment again

• Throw away the materials

• Compare your results with others

• Eat a meal

What should you do if you don't have all the ingredients for the experiment?

• Use what you have at home

• Go out and buy them

• Use only water

• Skip the experiment