Summary

In this lab students will write a plan then conduct an experiment using the scientific method to observe the physical and chemical changes that a gummy bear will experience when placed in a solution of their choice.

Grade Level

Elementary School

Objectives

By the end of this lab, students should be able to

• Create a plan to conduct an experiment using the scientific method.
• Record and analyze collected data and then make a conclusion.
• Differentiate between instances of physical and chemical change.

Chemistry Topics

This lab supports students’ understanding of

• Physical change
• Chemical change
• Scientific method

Time

Teacher Preparation: 20 minutes
Lesson: 2 hours (plus an overnight period)

Materials

• measuring cups
• small containers/plastic cups (1 container for each student)
• rulers
• scales
• gummy bears (2 for each student)
• water
• food coloring water (a few drops of food coloring to each ¼ cup of water)
• salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt to each ¼ cup of water)
• sugar water (1/2 teaspoon of sugar to each ¼ cup of water)
• baking soda water (1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to each ¼ cup of water)
• lemon juice
• vinegar
• milk
• soda

Safety

• Always wear safety goggles when handling chemicals in the lab.
• Do not consume lab solutions, even if they’re otherwise edible products.
• Food in the lab should be considered a chemical not for consumption.
• Students should wash their hands thoroughly before leaving the lab.
• When students complete the lab, instruct them how to clean up their materials and dispose of any chemicals.
• Students should wear proper safety gear during chemistry demonstrations. Safety goggles and lab apron are required.

Teacher Notes

• Brain pop Jr. has this helpful video to introduce the concept of physical and chemical changes to students. I encourage teachers to share this with students before completing the lab.
• Vocabulary that students should review:
  • Solution: a liquid mixture.Physical change: occurs when matter changes size, shape, or form.
  • Chemical change: occurs when a substance becomes a different substance. This change is irreversible.
• Teacher preparation lab solutions prior to lab:
  
  • food coloring water (a few drops of food coloring to each ¼ cup of water)
  • salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt to each ¼ cup of water)
  • sugar water (1/2 teaspoon of sugar to each ¼ cup of water)
  • baking soda water (1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to each ¼ cup of water)
• Students will choose your own solution to combine with the gummy bear in this experiment and follow prompts to write a guided lab report. Make sure that students focus on the physical and chemical changes that may occur.
• Students should be told to plan for their gummy bear to remain in the solution overnight as part of the procedures.
• Differentiation: For younger students you may want to give guided procedures for students to follow and a list of possible physical and chemical changes to check for.
• Differentiation: For older students you may want to give students multiple gummy bears, and allow students to use multiple solutions or combinations of solutions and compare the results of each.