Name:___________________________________________
Score:______/14
Gummy Bear Scientific Method Lab – 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. Number
each step and begin each step with a verb. 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 record in data table.
3. Observe _______________________________ and record in data table.
4. Place one gummy in__________________________________ and ___________________________.
5.Wait for ________________________________________.
6. Remove gummies from each cup with forceps and pat them dry with paper towels.
7. Measure ____________________________________________ and ___________________.
8. Observe ___________________________ and record in data table.
9. Calculate change in gummy bear size by _______________________________________ and
record in data table.
Data Table: Design a data collection table to fit the data you will be investigating as outlined in
your procedure. Include a place for observations. 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)
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With your lab partner, list 2 variables that may affect the outcome of this experiment if they were
not kept constant. (2 points)
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
Explain how the data you collected can be described as both qualitative and quantitative. (2
points)
________________________________________________________________________
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