Scientific Method Introduction Inquiry Graphing Experiment: Bubble Gum Mass

Looking to introduce or review the scientific method in a fun way- try this bubble gum mass lab. Students get a piece of bubble gum and chew it to determine if its mass changes with the chewing (works BEST with sugar gums like bubble yum, etc).

“Does gum lose mass when you chew it?"

This is an introduction to learning about scientific inquiry activity. This fits in nicely at the beginning of the year to review/ introduce the steps of the scientific method and when students are learning how to create a lab report following seven basic steps. Because this lab or experiment is “inquiry based”, I am including 2 versions, one with directions and a procedure, one without. Depending on the needs of the class/ individual, you can determine which to use.

The seven steps of the scientific method used in this experiment are:

1. Problem or Question

2. Hypotheses

3. Materials

4. Procedure

5. Observations

6. Analysis

7. Conclusion

Materials: 1 piece of gum per student, balance (electric or regular), timer

Students then write conclusions to their experiment- this is a great way to start their science year!

* Rubrics and answers included*

Challenge students understanding of graphing with this activity where students find problems with already made graphs!

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More graphing activities here:

Pendulum Inquiry/Lab -3 experiments, graphing, conclusions Scientific Method

Measuring Mass Review Activity with graphing- using popcorn

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