Sweet Science: 8th graders explore the scientific method in Gummy Bear Lab

Eighth graders in Matthew Blauvelt's science class at Warwick Valley Middle School recently turned a popular sweet treat into an engaging two-day learning experience. In the Gummy Bear Lab students put the scientific method into action while sharpening their metric measurement skills!

On the first day of the lab, students began by formulating hypotheses about what would happen to a gummy bear after soaking in water overnight. Working in teams, the students used scales and rulers to measure their bear's initial length, width, thickness, volume, and weight according to the International System of Units (SI), commonly known as the metric system.

With their baseline measurements recorded, the bears were submerged in cups of water to soak overnight.

On the second day, students carefully retrieved and patted dry their gummy bears. They repeated all measurements to calculate the total change in dimensions and mass. Comparing their final data against their initial predictions, students wrote detailed analyses describing changes in size, volume, and weight, using their measurement data to back up their final scientific conclusions.

Students also learned that the data they were reporting on were the results of a process known as osmosis, a type of diffusion whereby water molecules move through a semi-permeable membrane.

The Gummy Bear Lab is a great activity that bridges the gap between theory and reality, giving students a tangible way to practice the scientific method, learn to take real-world measurements, and see the immediate results of their data collection. Mr. Blauvelt's lesson created a fun learning environment with high engagement, helping build foundational STEM and life skills.

And was the rate of diffusion of gummy bears from bag to stomach also being measured around the lab? Perhaps!