Using the Scientific Method for SCIENCE INQUIRY

How much SUGAR is in Gum?by

Vicenza Middle School

8th Grade, October 2014

Problem

Which gum contains the most sugar---Winterfresh,Spearmint, Doublemint, BigRed, Juicyfruit, Bazooka?

Formulate the HypothesisThe Bazooka brand of gum contains the

most sugar and the Winterfresh contains the second most, and the other gums contain the least amount of sugar.

Identify and Control VariablesControlled Variables

mass of gumIndependent/Manipulated Variable

gum brandsDependent/Responding Variable

mass of sugar loss (gum loses flavor)

*** Controlled Variables are those things that are kept the same

*** The Manipulated Variable is the one thing that is changed

*** The Responding Variable is what is measured

Test the HypothesisMaterials Needed:

• Different brands of gum• Scale (Digital is best)

• Gum wrapper or foil

• Calculator

• Stopwatch

Test the HypothesisSteps for conducting the investigation:1. Zero the scale with the wrapper.

2. Mass (g) the piece of gum. Record on chart.

3. Chew the piece of gum until no more flavor (sugar) is tasted.

4. Place the chewed gum on the scale (on foil or wrapper). Mass (g) the piece of chewed gum. Record.

5. Calculate the percentage of sugar in gum (sugar lost):

% sugar in gum = mass of sugar (g) x 100 mass of gum (g)

Collect DataGum Brand

1.) Mass of gum (g)

2.) Mass of gum after chewing

3.) % Sugar in gum

Step 1: Subtract the mass of the gum after chewing from the Mass of Gum before chewing to get the Mass(g) of the Sugar.

Step 2: Divide the Mass(g) of the Sugar by the mass of the gum before chewing to find the % of Sugar in Gum.

Time of chewing:

Calculate results:

Collect DataGum Brand Winterfresh

1.) Mass of gum (g) 4.7 g

2.) Mass of gum after chewing

1.6 g

3.) % Sugar in gum 66Step 1: Subtract the mass of the gum after chewing from the Mass of Gum before chewing to get the Mass(g) of the Sugar.

Step 2: Divide the Mass(g) of the Sugar by the mass of the gum before chewing to find the % of Sugar in Gum.

Time of chewing:about 10 minutes

4.7 g – 1.6 g = 3.1 g

3.1 g ÷ 4.7 g = 0.66 x 100

Collect DataBubble Gum Brand % of Sugar

BigRed 62.5 51 70 69 66 52 63 64 65 64 70

Doublemint 68 67 62 67 55 63 68 74

Winterfresh 63 66 57.1 67 70

Juicyfruit 60 62 63 50 51 67 67

Bazooka 66, 69 61 65 63 66.7 58 68 74 66

Spearmint 60 66 61

Collect Data• Insert a photo and/or

scan a hand-drawn illustration or diagram

• Describe photo here

Interpret Data

Include a statement about results here

Conclusion

Yes, the results supported my hypothesis.

or No, the results did not support

my hypothesis.

Inquire FurtherQuestions I still have:

Did I design a fair test?