1. Using the Scientific Method for SCIENCE INQUIRY
How much SUGAR is in Gum? by
Vicenza Middle School
8th Grade, October 2014

2. Problem
Which gum contains the most sugar---Winterfresh,Spearmint, Doublemint, BigRed, Juicyfruit, Bazooka?

3. Formulate the Hypothesis
The Bazooka brand of gum contains the most sugar and the Winterfresh contains the second most, and the other gums contain the least amount of sugar.

4. Identify and Control Variables
Controlled Variables
mass of gum
Independent/Manipulated Variable
gum brands
Dependent/Responding Variable
mass of sugar loss (gum loses flavor)
*** Controlled Variables are those things that are kept the same
*** The Manipulated Variable is the one thing that is changed
*** The Responding Variable is what is measured

5. Test the Hypothesis Materials Needed: Different brands of gum
Scale (Digital is best)
Gum wrapper or foil
Calculator
Stopwatch

6. Test the Hypothesis Steps for conducting the investigation:
Zero the scale with the wrapper.
Mass (g) the piece of gum. Record on chart.
3. Chew the piece of gum until no more flavor (sugar) is tasted.
Place the chewed gum on the scale (on foil or wrapper). Mass (g) the piece of chewed gum. Record.
Calculate the percentage of sugar in gum (sugar lost):
% sugar in gum = mass of sugar (g) x mass of gum (g)

7. Collect Data 3.) % Sugar in gum 1.) Mass of gum (g)
Gum Brand
1.) Mass of gum (g)
2.) Mass of gum after chewing
3.) % Sugar in gum
Time of chewing:
Step 1: Subtract the mass of the gum after chewing from the
Mass of Gum before chewing to get the Mass(g)
of the Sugar.
Step 2: Divide the Mass(g) of the Sugar by the mass of the
gum before chewing to find the % of Sugar in Gum.
Calculate results:

8. Collect Data 66 4.7 g 1.6 g 3.) % Sugar in gum Winterfresh
Gum Brand
Winterfresh
1.) Mass of gum (g)
4.7 g
2.) Mass of gum after chewing
1.6 g
3.) % Sugar in gum 66
Time of chewing:
about 10 minutes
Step 1: Subtract the mass of the gum after chewing from the
Mass of Gum before chewing to get the Mass(g)
of the Sugar.
Step 2: Divide the Mass(g) of the Sugar by the mass of the
gum before chewing to find the % of Sugar in Gum.
4.7 g – 1.6 g = 3.1 g
3.1 g ÷ 4.7 g =
0.66 x 100

9. Collect Data BigRed 62.5 51 70 69 66 52 63 64 65 64 70 Doublemint
Bubble Gum Brand
% of Sugar
BigRed
Doublemint
Winterfresh
Juicyfruit
Bazooka
66,
Spearmint

10. Collect Data
Insert a photo and/or scan a hand-drawn illustration or diagram
Describe photo here

11. Interpret Data
Include a statement about results here

12. Conclusion Yes, the results supported my hypothesis. or
No, the results did not support my hypothesis.

13. Inquire Further
Questions I still have:
Did I design a fair test?