HooplaKidz Lab Season 1 Episode 35 Does Mint Really Cool Things Down
- March 14, 2016
- 1 min
In season 1, episode 35 of HooplaKidz Lab, the question at hand is whether mint really cools things down. The episode begins with the host introducing the topic and explaining that mint is commonly known to give a cooling sensation, but does it actually lower the temperature?
To find out, the host conducts a series of experiments with the help of a young scientist. They first test the effect of mint on room temperature by placing a thermometer in a room and then introducing a mint plant. After a few minutes, they check the thermometer and compare the readings. Surprisingly, there is no noticeable change in temperature.
Next, they experiment with the cooling effect of mint on the skin. The young scientist rubs mint leaves on their arms and the host uses an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of their skin before and after the application of mint. Again, there is no significant change in temperature, indicating that the cooling sensation is only temporary and doesn't actually lower the temperature.
The host then introduces another experiment to test the effect of mint on ice cubes. They place identical ice cubes in two separate containers and add mint leaves to one of them. After a few minutes, they measure the temperature of the ice cubes using a thermometer. Surprisingly, both ice cubes have the same temperature, challenging the common belief that adding mint to ice will cool it down.
They then conduct one final experiment to test the effect of mint on hot water. They fill two glasses with hot water and add mint leaves to one of them. After a few minutes, they measure the temperature of both glasses and find that the one with mint is slightly cooler than the other. However, the difference in temperature is so small that it's unlikely anyone would notice.
Throughout the episode, the host explains the science behind these experiments and why mint doesn't actually lower temperatures. They explain that the cooling sensation comes from the menthol in mint, which activates the same receptors that detect cold temperatures. However, this sensation doesn't actually lower the temperature of the object being applied to.
Overall, the episode is a fun and informative exploration of the science behind the common belief that mint cools things down. It encourages young scientists to question commonly held beliefs and to experiment to see if they hold true.