Names _______________________________ Date _______________ Period ________ #
_________________________________________________________________
Observation Sweet Lab
Please write all of your laboratory report in complete sentence format.
Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to use laboratory equipment properly to measure the mass, volume,
height, and width of each candy; to convert metric units from one unit of measure to another; to use
your five senses to make observations about the candy; to calculate the density of each candy, and to
choose an appropriate way to visually represent the data.
Research: The spice drops are made up of corn syrup, sugar, cornstarch, modified cornstarch, natural
and artificial flavors, FD&C Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Red 3. Each candy has it own unique
smell and flavor.
Hypothesis: If I make careful observations and use lab equipment properly, then I will be able to take
accurate measurements of the six candies’ mass, volume, height, and width and be able to correctly
identify each using my 5 senses.
Experiment:
A. Materials- 6 spice drops, graduated cylinder, triple beam balance, metric ruler, calculator, and your
five senses
B. Procedure1. Carefully examine each piece of candy so that your can record information regarding the following
characteristics: smell, touch, sight, taste, and sound. Record your observations in the data table.
2. Using a metric ruler, measure each piece of candy from top to bottom to determine its height (cm).
Convert centimeters to meters. Record this information in the data table.
3. Using a metric ruler, measure each piece of candy from top to bottom to determine its width (cm).
Convert centimeters to meters. Record this information in the data table.
4. Using the triple beam balance, find the mass of each piece of candy in grams (g). Convert grams to
milligrams. Record the information in the data table.
5. Using a graduated cylinder, find the volume of each piece of candy. You will do so by using the
displacement method. Place 20 mL of water in the graduated cylinder. Read the volume of the water
and determine the volume of the candy (final volume – initial volume = volume of candy). Repeat this
process for each piece of candy. Record the information in the data table.
6. Cleanup your lab station. Discard paper towels and candies in the trash can. Leave all equipment at
the designated station.
7. Calculate the density of each candy by using the formula density = mass ÷ volume. You will use your
mass column and volume column to calculate the density.
8. Calculate the averages for the height (cm), width (cm), mass (g), and volume (mL) of all six candies.
Construct a graph to show the differences between these measurements.
9. Answer your conclusion questions and repeat/redesign question and turn your lab into Mrs. Mohan.
Names _______________________________ Date _______________ Period ________ #
_________________________________________________________________
Data (Data Table)
Candy
Color
smell &
taste
touch
XXXXXX
XXXXX
sight
sound
Purple
White
Green
Red
Orange
Yellow
Average
XXXXX
XXXXX
*height
(cm)
height
(m)
*width
(cm)
width
(m)
*mass
(g)
mass
(mg)
*volume
(mL)
volume
(L)
*density
(g/mL)
Names _______________________________ Date _______________ Period ________ #
_________________________________________________________________
Graph
Title: Comparison between the average height, width, mass, volume, and density of the candies
Names _______________________________ Date _______________ Period ________ #
_________________________________________________________________
Conclusions
1. Was your hypothesis correct or incorrect?
2. Draw the experimental candy to make a mental model of it.
3. List as many characteristics or properties about the candy as possible. Name at least 8 more.
A. The candy is soluble in water. (This means that it will dissolve in water.)
B. The candy will melt if heat is applied.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
4. Will other scientists list the same characteristics as you? Explain why or why not.
Repeat/Redesign
1. What would you do differently if you were to repeat this experiment again?