Gummy Bear Science Project Intro
The magical gummy bear science project is an easy and fun experiment for children up to 12 years old. Setup will take less than an hour, but the experiment will last at least 48 hours. Most sweet candies dissolve in water. However, gummy bears are made with gelatin. It prevents the bear from dissolving. This experiment is a fantastic way to introduce kids to the osmosis process. Osmosis is the process that makes the water move from one concentration level to another. The water can move from a higher concentration to a lower concentrated water. So, can the gummy bears? Try this experiment with your kid, and the results will surprise you.
What is Osmosis?
Here’s the definition of osmosis according to the books. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules. These molecules move from one solution with a high concentration of water molecules. The movement is across the semipermeable membrane of a cell to a solution. The ending result is the movement towards the solution with a lower concentration of water molecules.
How does the gummy bear science project work?
Gummy bears dissolve in water. But when they are cooled, the water inside them is taken out. It leaves behind a solid candy bear. Gelatin is a long string of molecules that twist together to create a tangible form. The water moves into the gummy bear through osmosis as soon as you insert the gummy bear inside. So, the water molecules pass via the gummy bear’s cells and dissolve its components.
When salt is added to water, there are more salt molecules in the solution than water molecules. It causes the water molecules to move toward the salt molecules. And the salt and water molecules in the solution even out. It is why a gummy bear in salt water doesn’t grow as much as one in sugar water.
The Materials You Require
You will need the following materials to perform the gummy bear science project.
- Gummy Bears
- Three glasses of water
- One tablespoon of salt
- One tablespoon of sugar
- Ruler
- Calculator
- Kitchen scale
- Paper towels
- Pen and paper
- Clock or timer
Instructions for Gummy Bear Science Project
First, choose any three gummy bears of the same color. Measure each gummy bear’s length, height, and width and write it down. Weigh each gummy bear and write down its weight. You have to label each glass with its related contents. Like, water, salt water, or sugar water. Fill the glass-tagged water with one-half cup of plain water. Load the glass with a label of salt water with one and a half cups. Mix in by adding one tablespoon of salt until it has disbanded. Now, fill the glass that is labeled sugar water with 1.5 cups of water.
Now you need to add and mix a single tablespoon of sugar until all the sugar has dissolved. Add a gummy bear to each glass. Record the time. Wait for twelve hours, and measure and weigh all gummy bears. Return the gummy bears to their respective glasses. Check back after 24 hours. Now, measure and consider the weight of each gummy bear again. Once again, return the gummy bears to their containers. After 48 hours, measure and weigh each gummy bear.
How will it work in other liquids?
So, now the students know what happens to the gummy bears in an adhesive bear science project. Now it is time to test this theory with different liquid types. These can be milk, vinegar, or vegetable oil. You will need to repeat the steps and use the same materials as instructed. Labeling the glasses is vital. Each time, weigh the bear, return it to its corresponding liquid type, and repeat. It is a fun way to teach youngsters about osmosis.