Summary

In this lab activity students will explore and compare how different lenses made from Jello can magnify text. Student lab groups will make Jello lenses using different sized measuring spoons, small bowls, and cookie dough scoops. They will then observe if the size of the lens changes magnification.

Grade Level

Middle School

NGSS Alignment

This lab will help prepare your students to meet the following scientific and engineering practices:

• Scientific and Engineering Practices:
  • Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Objectives

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

• Understand the relationship between the size of a lens and how well it magnifies text.

Chemistry Topics

This lab supports students’ understanding of:

• Lenses
• Magnification

Time

Teacher Preparation: 15 minutes
Lesson: 45 minutes (over two days)

Materials (per group)

• Jello, 3-ounce package, unflavored or lemon or lime
• Mixing bowl or large beaker
• Measuring cup or beaker
• Water, ¾ cup (175 ml)
• Microwave or hot plate
• Spoon or stirring rod
• Several different sizes of measuring spoons, small bowls and/or cookie dough scoops
• Paper towels
• Baking tray or cutting board
• Refrigerator
• Disposable kitchen gloves
• Ruler
• Empty Jello box

Safety

• Food in the lab should be considered a chemical not for consumption. Students should not any food items as part of the lab.
• Students should not eat food that has been used in the lab.
• Be careful when handling boiling water. Stir it slowly so that the mixture does not come out of the bowl. Also use caution when pouring the hot water into the bowl of Jello powder.

Teacher Notes

• This lesson was created in support of the 2024 National Chemistry Week (NCW) celebration. NCW is celebrated the week of October 20–26, 2024 with the theme, “Picture Perfect Chemistry.” Through this theme, students, teachers, and all those interested are encouraged to explore the chemistry of photography and imaging.
• If you cannot find unflavored gelatine, use a light-colored gelatine such as lemon or lime.
• Do not follow the directions on the Jello box. You only need to add ¾ cups of water to the Jello powder.
• This is designed as a two-day activity, with day one being used for the students to mix the gelatine and fill the spoons, bowls and/or cookie dough scoops. However:
  • Depending on the age and level of the students, this day one task can be completed solely by the teacher as a preparation step, instead of by the students.
  • If you do not have two days for this activity, prepare the Jello and fill the spoons, bowls and/or cookie dough scoops the day before. Students can then follow the Day two instructions.
• On day one the Jello lenses are refrigerated overnight and then used on day two to investigate how well they can magnify text.
• It’s not recommended to make a large bowl full of Jello and attempt to scoop the lenses with spoons from the hardened Jello. This was tested and did not make useable, smooth lenses.
• Do not throw away the empty boxes of Jello. Have students use them when they are comparing how well the different lenses magnify.
• Use a microwave to heat the water to boiling. If you do not have access to a microwave, use a hot plate.
• Sample lenses are shown below:

• Optional extension: Have students read through the explanation of how a lens can magnify an image in Make Your Own Jello Lenses! From Boundless Brilliance. Then think about other items that can be used to magnify text or other objects.