Osmosis+Gummy+Bear+Lab

__**Osmosis Gummy Bear Lab**__ Gummy Bears are made of gelatin, starch, and sugar. Gelatin is a polymer (huge molecule made of many repeating units) that forms large three-dimensional matrix that can trap water. (A matix is like a complex cage)

Molecules are in constant motion, and tend to move from areas of higher concentrations to lesser concentrations. Diffusion is defined as the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

The diffusion of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane is known as osmosis. Selectively permeable means that some molecules can move through a membrane while others cannot. Water can move in and out of cells by the process of osmosis.

Water interacts with a gelatin and starch matrix similarly to how osmosis occurs in cells. In both cases water moves by diffusion. Because of this a Gummy Bear can be used to study osmosis.

Use the eight science practices and a gummy bear to investigate the process of osmosis. Record your use of the scientific practices on paper.

1. Develop questions 2. Make predictions and Investigate 3. Use a model 4. Fill out the data table 5. Think mathematically changes in density 6. Argue from evidence 7. Construct explanations 8. Communicate Information

Investigate the Gummy Bear:
 * Dry
 * Soaked in freshwater
 * Soaked in saltwater