Huwerl Thornton, Jr.
Who Would Like Some JELL-O®?
Objective: Students will be able create a gel using JELL-O® gelatin and understand the principles that determine a gel.
Students will be able to define what dissolve means through experience and reading.
Students will be able to read and follow directions to completion (with adult assistance) to make JELL-O® gelatin.
Materials: 6-10 mixing bowls, 6-10 large spoons, JELL-O® gelatin, large pot for boiling water, stove top or hot plate, measuring cup, clear plastic cups, masking tape
Procedure: Students working in groups of four will make observations and write what they think the criteria of a gel are on chart paper. Their observations will be compared to the actual standards of a gel. Students will then make JELL-O® gelatin and observe if it follows the standards of a gel. Students will pour the JELL-O® gelatin mix into their plastic cup. The will have already placed the masking tape on their cup, on which they will write their name. Students will make written observations about their JELL-O® gelatin before it is refrigerated. They will determine how it is different or the same from the KOOL-AID® they made previously. The students will cover their cups with plastic or aluminum foil and place them into the refrigerator to chill overnight. The next day, the students will compare how their JELL-O® gelatin has changed. Students will talk about characteristics of liquids versus solids.
Other experiments to do with this lesson:
Make the JELL-O® gelatin again but don't boil the water. The JELL-O® gelatin should remain a liquid. The boiling hot water is an integral part of the gelatin making process. Students can make predictions about what they think will happen.
Make the JELL-O® gelatin again but only use boiling water. This should in effect make JELL-O® JIGGLERS®. Again, students can make predictions about what they think will happen. Students can then compare the properties of regular JELL-O® gelatin and JELL-O® JIGGLERS®