Osmosis – Candy Bears

Activity Summary
This lab looks at the concept of osmosis using candy bears and water. Candy bears are measured and weighed, then placed in three types of water (de-ionized, tap, and salt). The candy bear will react as a semi-permeable membrane and water will enter the candy bear until the candy bear and water are isotonic to each other. This can be measured by the increase in candy bear size by comparing weight and size measurements. Students can then compare the differences between the three types of water.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Explain the process of osmosis
2. Define basic concepts such as isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plan

Keywords
osmosis, isotonic

Last updated: 3/3/2015