Name _________________________________
Bubble Gum Blowing Lab
In this science experiment, you will practice using the scientific method to complete an investigation to
determine which brand of bubble gum will blow the largest bubbles. The experiment will be conducted
over two days with a culminating graphing activity used to compare the results of the class.
Day one: Who makes the Biggest Bubble:
Directions:
1. Each team must gather the following materials:
● Ruler
● Two paperclips
● Piece of gum for each student ---- DO NOT EAT UNTIL TOLD …..
● Piece of Paper
● Calculator
2. Each team will make a paper clip caliper (measuring device) and attach them to the ruler.
(see example at front of room.)
3. Each student should unwrap and begin chewing their piece of gum.
4. Each student will have the opportunity to blow 10 bubbles but this will be done one student at a time.
Students will blow bubbles in order from the youngest to the oldest with only one student blowing their
10 bubbles at a time.
5. While the bubble blowers are completing their trials, one teammate will measure the size of the bubble
in centimeters using the caliper.
6. The remaining team member will record each measurement for the team.
7. Switch so next student chews and blows bubbles and repeat until all team members have had a turn.
Trials
(cm)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Student 1
________________
Student 2
Student 3
_________________ ___________________
Data Analysis:
As a team, calculate the average size of each student’s bubble.
Student one average: ________________________
Student two average: ________________________
Student three average: _______________________
The student with the highest average bubble size is _________________________________

This will be the designated bubble blower for day 2. Discuss the questions below with your team.
Discussion :
On Day 2 of this experiment the goal will be to compare brands of bubble gum.
1. Can we prove which brand of gum produces the biggest bubbles? _______________________
2. What would the procedure for this experiment look like? (list the steps below)
Day Two: Great Bubble Gum Mystery : What brand of gum makes the biggest bubbles?
Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to use the Scientific Method to compare types of bubble gum to
determine which is capable of being blown into the biggest bubble.
READ directions carefully!
Observations: Each group will need one piece of gum labeled A, one labeled B and one labeled C. Make
three observations about each type of gum BEFORE you chew it and write them in the space provided.
Gum A _______________________________
1.____________________________________
2.____________________________________
3.____________________________________
Gum C _______________________________
1.____________________________________
2.____________________________________
3.____________________________________
Gum B ________________________________
1.____________________________________
2.____________________________________
3.____________________________________
Variables: You will test three types of gum to determine which is best for blowing bubbles and what
characteristic makes that gum the best for blowing bubbles. Using your knowledge of experimental
variables, identify the independent variable, as well as two dependent variables.
Independent variable __________________________________
Dependent variable __________________________________
Have your teacher check your variables before you go on.
Hypothesis/Prediction: Predict which piece of gum will blow the biggest bubble and why.
Discussion before we start:
1. What are the benefits of having so many groups do this experiment at once?
2. Why am I asking you to blow ten bubbles for each type of gum?
3. What controls are we using in this experiment? What are they important?
4. I am going to ask you to record the mass of each type of gum. Why do you think this will be important?
Procedure:
1. The person with the highest average from yesterday’s activity will be the designated blower.
2. The rest of the team will measure and record data in the table below.
3. Find and record the mass of each type of gum. Place the piece of gum on the scale and record.
(EACH sample of gum MUST have the same MASS within ___________ g.
4. When the designated bubble blower is ready, your team may begin.
Mass of Gum Samples
Key
Gum A Mass: _____________________
Gum A = _____________________________
Gum B Mass: _____________________
Gum B = _____________________________
Gum C Mass: _____________________
Gum C = ______________________________
Data Table: Design a data collection table to fit the data you will be investigating. Fill in this table with
the data you collect, as you collect it.
Trial
1
Trial
2
Trial
3
Trial
4
Trial
5
Trial
6
Trial
7
Gum A
(cm)
Gum B
(cm)
Gum C
(cm)
As a group, calculate the average size of the bubbles for each brands A, B and C.
My Group
Gum A Average Size: ___________________________
Gum B Average Size: ___________________________
Gum C Average Size:____________________________
Trial
8
Trial
9
Trial
10
Day Three: Part one: Lets Share Data:
Class Data:
Group 1
Gum A Average Size: _______________
Gum B Average Size: _______________
Gum C Average Size:________________
Group 2
Gum A Average Size: _______________
Gum B Average Size: _______________
Gum C Average Size:________________
Group 3
Gum A Average Size: _______________
Gum B Average Size: _______________
Gum C Average Size:________________
Group 4
Gum A Average Size: _______________
Gum B Average Size: _______________
Gum C Average Size:________________
Group 5
Gum A Average Size: _______________
Gum B Average Size: _______________
Gum C Average Size:________________
Group 6
Gum A Average Size: _______________
Gum B Average Size: ________________
Gum C Average Size:________________
Group 7
Gum A Average Size: _______________
Gum B Average Size: _______________
Gum C Average Size:________________
Group 8
Gum A Average Size: _______________
Gum B Average Size: _______________
Gum C Average Size: _______________
Group 9
Gum A Average Size: _______________
Gum B Average Size: _______________
Gum C Average Size: _______________
Group 10
Gum A Average Size: _______________
Gum B Average Size: _______________
Gum C Average Size: _______________
Analyze:
1. Analyze the class data to determine any noticeable patterns. Explain Below:
2. What conclusions can you draw? If so, what are they? Explain below:
3. What do scientists do with data to make it easier to analyze? Explain below:
Tomorrow we will be making a line graph in class. Make a list of the important elements we always
include on a line graph.
Day Three: Part Two: Let’s make some graphs:
1.
In the box below, make a rough sketch of your team data for ONLY Brand (A) of bubble gum.
2. Make sure to include all 10 trials of data on your graph.
3. When you are finished with your sketch, stop and have the teacher check your work.
Practice Graph
1. Complete your final line graph once your teacher has checked off your rough sketch.
2. Make sure to include the data for all 3 types of bubble bum for your team.
Final Conclusion
Complete the following six questions. Use your class data, graphs, and discussion questions as a
resource.
1. Did the class have similar results? Explain why you think this is the case.
2. Did your group’s results support your hypothesis? Explain why you think this was the case.
3. Why do you need to consider the class’s data along with your group’s data?
4. Were there any errors that occurred while you performed the experiment? What were they?
5. Why did you need to make a graph of your data?
6. If you could perform this experiment again what would you do differently?