Gumdrop Molecules Activity
Name: ____________________________
Period: ________
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this investigation is to make observations about different types of chemistry
materials in an effort to develop your own definitions of what an element, compound, and mixture are. Work
in teams of 3-4…each team will need one bag of pre-made gumdrops (with 6 individual bags inside).
1. Make observations about the contents of each bag…draw and label what you see, paying special attention
to amounts, arrangements, and colors. Please use colored pencils for your observations. Please DO NOT
open and/or eat the gumdrops!!!
Sodium (Na): Element
Oxygen (O): Element
Salt (NaCl): Compound
Rust (Fe2O3): Compound
Salt Water (NaCl + H20): Mixture
Air (O2 + N2 + CO2): Mixture
2. Describe two general observations, patterns, and/or trends you noticed when looking at the different
materials…
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More on back 
3. In the space below, use your observations and thoughts to describe the difference between elements,
compounds, and mixtures.
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4. Look at the two elements and think about what they have in common.
a. Develop your own definition for what an element is: ________________________________________
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5. Look at the two compounds and think about what they have in common.
a. Develop your own definition for what a compound is: _______________________________________
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6. Look at the two mixtures and think about what they have in common.
a. Develop your own definition for what a mixture is: _______________________________________
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Please put your 6 smaller bags back into the large bag and return to Miss McMackin. 