Name:______Score:______/13

Gummy Bear Scientific Method Lab – Honors Biology

Adapted from http://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/gummi_bear_experiment.html#.Uh6UNOsbdq1

The purpose of this lab is to use the Scientific Method to solve a problem.

A) Observe and ask questions that lead to a problem

B) Form a hypothesis

C) Test the hypothesis with a controlled experiment by making observations and gathering data.

D) Analyze gathered data

E) Reject or Accept your hypothesis

F) Form a conclusion

Question:

·  Will gummy bears dissolve faster in acidic water versus distilled water?

Note: Amount of gummy bear dissolving will be calculated by measuring the length and width (across belly) in mm before and after experiment and then calculating the difference.

Materials Available:

Gummy bears (2 of same color)
Cup with distilled water
Cup with vinegar solution (for acidic water)
Ruler

Apply: What is our independent variable? What is our dependent variable? Why? Use your 1.3 notes to help you with this (1 point)

Apply: Why is it important to only change one variable at a time? (i.e. why are you using the same color gummy bear in each situation?) What type of experiment is this called if you only change one variable at a time? (1 point)

Hypothesis: Propose an answer to your question and explain why this is your prediction. Write your hypothesis as an if/then statement. (1 point)

Procedure: Design a procedure to test your hypothesis using the available materials. Include collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. Raise your hand when you are finished so your teacher can approve your procedure. (2 points)

1. Gather materials on materials list.

2. Measure ______and ______of the gummy bears before the experiment and record in data table.

3. Observe ______(something qualitative) and record in data table.

4. Place one gummy in ______and one in ______.

5.Wait for ______.

6. Remove gummies from each cup with forceps and pat them dry with paper towels.

7. Measure ______and ______of the gummy bears after the experiment.

8. Observe ______after the experiment and record in data table. (Look back at #3)

9. Calculate change in gummy bear size by ______and record in data table.

Data Table: Complete this data table to fit the data you will be investigating as outlined in your procedure. Raise your hand when you are finished so your teacher can approve your data table. (2 points)

Bear
Acidic Gummy
Water Gummy

Conclusion: Forming a theory

Restate your hypothesis. Do you accept or reject your hypothesis? Support your answer with observations and your data. (3 points)

______

______

______

______

With your lab partner, list 2 variables that may affect the outcome of this experiment if they were not kept constant. Number one is done for you. (1 pt)

1. Ex: If I didn’t use the same amount of water and vinegar than the experiment would not be valid. I have to use the same amount of liquid in each cup.

2. ______

3. Provide an example from your data that would be considered quantitative data. Provide an example from your data that would be considered qualitative data (2 points)

Quantitative: ______

Qualitative: ______