Sixth graders have completed a lab on osmosis using gummy
bears as a model of the cell. The masses
of three gummy bears were determined.
One was placed in an empty cup as a control. One was placed in 250ml of water, and the
final one was placed in 250ml of water in which a sugar cube had been
added.
Osmosis is the diffusion of water from an area of greater
concentration to lesser concentration.
The bears that had been placed in sucrose water and tap water increased
in mass after 72 hours by an average of 9 grams and 11 grams respectively. The masses of the control bears stayed the
same.
Students concluded that the bears were hypotonic to the
water and therefore the water from the cup diffused through the outer membrane
of the bears through osmosis into the gummy bear.
Qualitative data was recorded as well. Bears became soft, slimy and more
fragile.
