GELATIN GUM DROPS

 

The Gelatin Gum Drop experiment that follows provides a demonstration of how absorption of water can result in a gel-like solid. Students can perform this experiment in the classroom or at home.

 

Supplies needed:

  • Flavored gelatin powder (do not use sugar-free varieties)
  • Bowl or cup
  • Small shallow dish (~2 inch in diameter)
  • Water
  • Eyedropper
  • Plastic fork
  • Paper plate

Procedure:

  1. Place a layer of gelatin powder in the small dish (~1 inch thick).
  2. Pour water into a separate bowl or cup.
  3. Using an eyedropper, squeeze a small drop of water in the center of the gelatin.
  4. When the first drop disappears/absorbs, add another drop on top of the first one. Continue until you have placed 5-6 drops on the same spot.
  5. Use a plastic fork to scoop under the gelatin wet spot and lift it out of the powder. Place the wet gelatin lump on a paper plate. You have made a gum drop!

Skills: Observing, inferring, predicting, communicating, formulating hypotheses, identifying and controlling variables, experimenting.