Science Project Ideas on Chewing Gum
The best part of doing a science fair project is choosing the topic since science covers everything from how stuff works to why it exists. Choosing chewing gum as a basis for a science fair project opens doors to experiments in elasticity, flavor and product comparison. Use caution if you choose gum, however, as you don't want to spread germs to everyone at the science fair.
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How Long Will It Last?
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For this experiment, you need a number of participants. Choose a few different flavors of gum, such as cinnamon, spearmint or peppermint. Buy the same brand of gum for all three flavors; save a piece of each gum for your project display. Gather two friends and begin chewing the gum. Set a stopwatch or other timer. After the gum loses its flavor, record the type of gum and the amount of time the gum was chewed. For a more extensive display, buy different brands and test new brands on different days.
How Far Will It Stretch?
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For this experiment, purchase different brands of chewing gum, all in the same flavor. Chew a piece of each brand until the gum is pliable. Stretch a section of the chewed gum over a piece of cardboard, then measure how far the gum stretches. Repeat the process with the other brands, stretching the gum pieces next to each other for demonstration purposes. Make marks on the cardboard next to the gum, labeling the length in inches and including the brand name. Cover the experiment with clear kitchen wrap so observers at the science fair cannot touch the chewed gum.
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Bubble Sizes
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Determine which type of gum creates the largest bubble. Use a kitchen scale to measure three different types of gum, obtaining the same amount of gum from each gum pack. Chew each type of gum separately; then blow three bubbles. Measure the bubble from the lips to the tip of the bubble, then determine the average of the three bubbles. Record the size of the average bubble and the brand name of the gum. Create a chart or take pictures to provide a visual aid for the science fair.
Does Gum Chewing Improve Math Scores?
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Obtain practice math tests for this experiment, the hypothesis of which is that gum increases concentration. Ask some peers to help by taking the math test without chewing gum. Score the tests against an answer key and record the results. After a few days, ask the same peers to come back for a retest, but this time give them a stick of gum. Ask them to chew the gum while taking the new test. Score the new tests and record the results. Draw conclusions by comparing the pre-gum and post-gum test scores. With permission, use the tests in the science fair display with your written conclusions.
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References
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