Alangilan Campus

College of Engineering – Department of Mechanical Engineering

LABORATORY REPORT

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Course
SCI 402: Modern Biology

Presented to:
Mr. Neil Ivan Vergara

Prepared by:
Bauan, Al Dominic I.

ME-1307
June 2023

GCH Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines

I. Gummy Bear Osmosis

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 Alangilan Campus

College of Engineering – Department of Mechanical Engineering

II. Introduction and Objectives

The gummy bear osmosis experiment is a fascinating
and educational scientific activity that explores the concept of osmosis using the
popular confectionary item, the gummy bear. Osmosis is the process by which
molecules of a solvent, such as water, pass through a semi-permeable membrane
from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
Through this experiment, we can observe how osmosis affects the physical
properties of gummy bears when they are immersed in different solutions.

The primary objectives of the gummy bear osmosis

experiment are as follows:
1. Understanding Osmosis: The experiment aims to provide a hands-on
demonstration of osmosis and its effects on living organisms. By immersing
gummy bears in different solutions, we can observe the changes in size,
texture, and overall appearance of the gummy bears as a result of the
movement of water molecules across their semi-permeable membranes.
2. Investigating Solute Concentration: The experiment seeks to examine the
impact of different solute concentrations on the gummy bears. By placing
them in solutions with varying concentrations, we can determine how
osmosis occurs when there is a difference in solute concentration between
the gummy bears and the surrounding solution.
3. Predicting and Analyzing Results: The experiment encourages participants
to make predictions about the changes that will occur in the gummy bears
based on their understanding of osmosis. By comparing their predictions
with the actual results, participants can analyze and interpret the outcomes to
gain insights into the principles of osmosis and the behaviour of semi-
permeable membranes.
4. Developing Scientific Skills: The gummy bear osmosis experiment helps to
develop essential scientific skills, such as observation, data collection,
measurement, and analysis. Participants will have the opportunity to record

GCH Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines

+63 43 425 - 0139 loc. 2121

www.batstate-u.edu.ph ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
 Alangilan Campus

College of Engineering – Department of Mechanical Engineering

their observations, measure the dimensions of the gummy bears before and
after the experiment, and draw conclusions based on the data collected.
By conducting the gummy bear osmosis experiment
and achieving these objectives, participants can enhance their understanding of
osmosis, develop critical thinking skills, and gain a greater appreciation for the
scientific method.
III. Materials and Methods
a. Materials
i. Gummy Bears
ii. 2 plastic containers
iii. Ruler
iv. Calculator
v. Kitchen scale
vi. Paper towels
vii. Clock or timer

b. Methods

i. Label each container

ii. Fill the first container with half-cup of water
iii. Don’t fill the second container
iv. Select a gummy bear for each glass.
v. Measure the length and weight of each gummy bear
vi. Check – and write down the time.
vii. Now, add a gummy bear to each container
viii. Wait 12 hours.
ix. Remove the gummy bears from their respective glasses..
x. Now, measure and if you can, weigh each bear.

GCH Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines

+63 43 425 - 0139 loc. 2121

www.batstate-u.edu.ph ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
 Alangilan Campus

College of Engineering – Department of Mechanical Engineering

IV. Data and Results

Liquid Initial After Amount Initial After Amount

weight Weight it grew length length of length
(grams) (grams) (grams) (cm) (cm) it grew
(cm)
Water 1.7 g 8.09 g 6.39 g 2 cm 3.8 cm 1.8 cm
Salt 1.7 g 0.74g - 0.96 g 2 cm 1.4 cm - 0.6 cm
Solution
Sugar 1.7 g 1.32 g - 0.38 g 2 cm 1.7 cm - 0.3 cm
Solution

V. Conclusion
In conclusion, the gummy bear osmosis experiment demonstrates the
process of osmosis and its effects on a gummy bear when placed in different
solutions. Osmosis is the movement of solvent molecules from an area of lower
solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration through a
semipermeable membrane.

During the experiment, gummy bears were placed in various solutions,

such as water, saltwater, or sugar solution. The gummy bear, being composed
mostly of water, acted as a semipermeable membrane. As a result, osmosis
occurred, and the movement of water molecules across the gummy bear's
membrane led to changes in its size and texture.

When placed in water, the gummy bear expanded in size. This happened
because water molecules moved from the solution with a lower concentration
(water) into the gummy bear, where the solute concentration was higher. The
influx of water caused the gummy bear to absorb it, resulting in swelling and a
softer texture.
GCH Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines

+63 43 425 - 0139 loc. 2121

www.batstate-u.edu.ph ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
 Alangilan Campus

College of Engineering – Department of Mechanical Engineering

On the other hand, when the gummy bear was placed in a saltwater or
sugar solution, it shrank in size. In these solutions, the solute concentration was
higher outside the gummy bear compared to the inside. Consequently, water
molecules moved from the gummy bear, where the concentration was lower, to
the surrounding solution with a higher concentration. This loss of water caused
the gummy bear to shrink, become firmer, and sometimes even wrinkled.

The experiment demonstrates how osmosis plays a crucial role in

maintaining the balance of water and solutes in living organisms. It helps us
understand how cells interact with their environment and how changes in solute
concentration can affect the size and texture of cells. It is important to note that
the gummy bear osmosis experiment is a simplified model and does not perfectly
replicate the complex biological processes occurring in living organisms.
Nonetheless, it serves as an accessible demonstration of osmosis and provides a
basic understanding of the concept.

GCH Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines

+63 43 425 - 0139 loc. 2121

www.batstate-u.edu.ph ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
 Alangilan Campus

College of Engineering – Department of Mechanical Engineering

Documentation

Gummy Bear Container A with Tap Water

Container B with Salt Solution Container B with Sugar Solution

Gummy Bear after Gummy Bear after Gummy Bear after 12

hours in Tap Water 12 hours in Salt Solution 12 hours in Sugar Solution

GCH Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines

+63 43 425 - 0139 loc. 2121

www.batstate-u.edu.ph ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
 Alangilan Campus

College of Engineering – Department of Mechanical Engineering

1 tablespoon Sugar 1 table spoon salt

GCH Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines

+63 43 425 - 0139 loc. 2121

www.batstate-u.edu.ph ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph