Citric acid gives chewing gum a refreshing, citrus taste.
Chewing gum, health benefits. Chances are you would not expect this word association. Nevertheless, research shows that chewing gum triggers memory and fights bad breath. Comparing the taste and bubble size of different gum brands aids consumers in purchase decisions. No matter which science project you choose, you have a rare opportunity to win over sugar-reluctant parents with the argument that you are chewing gum in the interest of science, health and education.
Chewing Gum and Memory
Does chewing gum really affect your powers of concentration and memory? According to experiments conducted for the California State Science Fair and the Selah School District, test scores do actually improve when students chew gum during an exam. If you have to see it to believe it, design two test versions and assign a group of students to gum and another as a no-gum group. Administer the tests under similar conditions to each group. Have the groups switch places on another day and try the opposite test. Compare individual results to determine if a student scored higher when chewing gum.
Cinnamon Gum and Halitosis
Cinnamon-flavored gum reduces the bacteria growth that causes bad breath, according to the University of Illinois at Chicago. You can test these findings by taking a saliva sample before and after chewing different brands of cinnamon gum. Grow the bacteria cultures in a petri dish to compare the concentrations of bacteria. Track the results by brand to determine which one has the greatest bacteria fighting power.
Long Lasting Flavor
Chewing gum companies often promise long lasting flavor in their advertising. You can test the truth of their claims by purchasing a variety of flavors and brands. Make note of each brand and flavor combination, and the exact time you start chewing it. When you notice the gum has lost all flavor, note the time and calculate the duration of the flavor experience. Make a table of your results to share with your friends to help them make wise consumer choices.
Biggest Bubble
Turn a childhood competition on who can blow the biggest bubblegum bubble into a scientific research project. Collect several brands of bubble gum. Chew each brand and blow some bubbles. Record the measurements of the bubbles you get out of each brand and calculate the average. Compare the average bubble sizes of each brand to determine which brand will most likely win you the bubblegum bubble-making champion title among your friends.
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