Density Testing

• Test what water does to a gummy bear's weight overnight. Give each student or group of students a single gummy bear. Measure its length, width, thickness and weight and record these measurements. Soak the gummy bear in a cup of water overnight. Take out the gummy bear the next day and dry with a paper towel. Calculate the previous measurements again and compare the results. Prepare both sets of data in a chart and present to the class.
  
  

Water Diffusion

• Did you know that when a gummy bear is immersed in salt water, it's density does not change? Saltwater contains less solute than regular tap water, which is why gelatin remains the same size. Test this theory by preparing two jars of water -- one with plain water and the other with salt added to it. Place a single gummy bear into each jar and watch as one gets bigger while the other remains the same size.
  
  

Oxidation

• This project requires potassium chlorate, a powerful oxidizing powder. Pour a very small amount of the potassium chlorate into a test tube and heat over a burner, until melted. Carefully drop a gummy bear into the test tube, using tongs, and watch as the gummy bear becomes almost instantly oxidized. This can be a very dangerous experiment, so it is important to always wear safety goggles and gloves before getting started. Only attempt this project in a well-ventilated room, as there will be a significant amount of smoke and steam resulting from the oxidation.
  
  

Genetics

• Use gummy bears to illustrate the concept of genetics and cross-breeding in this fun experimental lesson. Give each student or small group of students a bag of gummy bears to work with. Each group should sort the gummy bears by an obvious trait, such as color or size. They should record their findings on a piece of paper and compare the results with the other groups. Students then use this data to analyze how mixing different colors can create different variations of offspring.