Diffusion of Water with Gummy Bears

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In this activity, learners investigate the movement of water into and out of a polymer. Learners test the diffusion of water through gummy bears, which are made of sugar and gelatin (a polymer). Learners compare what happens when gummy bears are submerged in tap water versus distilled water.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 7 days
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 2 - plastic cups (8 oz.)
  • Permanent marker
  • 2 - aluminum or plastic screens (4 inches by 4 inches)
  • 2 - Gummy Bears (different colors)
  • Distilled water
  • Saturated salt solution (6 oz. per cup)
  • Tap water
  • 2 - centimeter rulers

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
      • Size and Scale
  • Physical Sciences
    • States of Matter
      • Solids
      • Liquids
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
      • Volume and Density
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Gathering Data
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Harris, Mary

Rights: