1. Using the Scientific Method for SCIENCE INQUIRY
Do different flavors of gum contain different amounts of sugar? by
Vicenza Middle School
8th Grade,

2. Problem
Do different flavors of gum contain different amounts of sugar?
Big Red, Spearmint, Juicy Fruit, WinterFresh, Doublemint (WRIGLEY’S)

3. Formulate the Hypothesis
Different flavors of gum contain the same amount of sugar.
The _______________ flavor of gum contains the most sugar and the _______________ contains the least amount of sugar.

4. Identify and Control Variables
Controlled Variables
size of gum, brand, chewing time
Manipulated Variable
gum flavor
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 flavors of gum
Scale (digital is best)
Gum wrapper or foil
Calculator

6. Test the Hypothesis Steps for conducting the investigation:
Zero the scale.
Mass (g) the piece of gum in wrapper. Record on chart.
3. Chew the piece of gum until no more flavor (sugar) is tasted.
Place the chewed gum on the scale (on 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
Gum Brand
1.) Mass of gum (g) with wrapper
2.) Mass of gum after chewing with wrapper
3.) % Sugar in gum
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.

8. Collect Data Big Red Spearmint Juicy Fruit Wintergreen Doublemint
Bubble Gum Brand
% of Sugar
Big Red
Spearmint
Juicy Fruit
Wintergreen
Doublemint

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

10. Interpret Data
Include a statement about results here

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

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