Gummy Bear Science (and Popsicles!)
Updated: Jul 16, 2020
Who can pass up gummy bears? Not me, that’s for sure! So when I came upon this science experiment modeling the process of osmosis using the little yummies, I couldn’t pass it up! Even better, we turned our leftovers into popsicles!
Supplies:
🔲 gummy bears (2 regular size bags are ideal)
🔲 popsicle molds (or popsicle sticks and cups/muffin tin)
🔲 bottle of Sprite
🔲 1 T baking soda
🔲 1 T sugar
🔲 1 T salt
🔲 vinegar
🔲 small dishes or cups
🔲 sticky notes or small paper to use as labels
🔲 ruler
Procedure:
Begin by taking measurements of a gummy bear from the bag. Measure the height and width.
Then fill six cups or small dishes with the following:
water
water mixed with 1 T salt
water mixed with 1 T sugar
water mixed with 1 T baking soda
Sprite
vinegar
Drop a gummy bear inside each cup and observe. What do you think will happen to the gummy bears if they sit in the solutions overnight?
POPSICLE BREAK!
To Make Popsicles:
With your leftover gummy bears and Sprite, you can make a delicious summertime treat. Place gummy bears inside each popsicle mold, as many as you wish. Pour Sprite over the gummy bears. Then fasten the lid and freeze for a few hours or overnight. To remove, run a little water over the mold to loosen each pop. Eat up!!
AND BACK TO OUR EXPERIMENT...
Over the 24 hours, continue to observe any changes in the gummy bears. After observation, remove the gummy bears from each dish and take measurements. Feel the difference. Discuss your findings. How were the gummy bears alike/different? Why did they grow? What happened to the gummy bear that sat in the vinegar? The Sprite? Discuss osmosis and how it worked with the different types of liquid.
What happened to your gummy bears? Let us know by sharing photos/videos @little.sunshine.mom!☀️