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The Gum Experiment

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Materials to Make the Gum:

 

  • Rolling Pin

  • Cutting Board

  • Gum Base

  • Confectioners sugar

  • Corn Syrup

  •  Lavender Flavoring

  • Grapefruit Flavoring

  • Spearmint Flavoring

  • Spoon for stirring

  • Aluminum foil

  • Wax paper

  • Metal bowl

  • Pot

  • Stovetop burner

  • Knife

 

Directions:

 

1. SOFTEN THE CORN SYRUP. First, stand the pouch of corn syrup in a cup and pour in enough boiling water so that the water level is about the same level as that of the corn syrup. It will flow out more quickly when it's hot.

2. PREPARE THE KNEADING SURFACE. Sprinkle about 1/2 of the confectioner's sugar onto the cutting board in a small mound.

3. MELT THE GUM BASE. You can melt the gum base either in a microwave or in a pot on your stovetop. First, pour the gum base out of its plastic bag and into the disposable pan. 

4. MIX. Cut the end of the pouch and squeeze the corn syrup into the gum base. Stir up the mixture and empty it into the sugar on the cutting board.

5. KNEAD. Knead (a rolling and folding motion) the mixture just like you would with bread dough. Then, divide the gum into two parts (or however many parts as you have flavors) on the table.

6. ADD FLAVOR. Add each flavor to each part. Mix in the remaining sugar to each part. Keep pulling, tugging, and kneading each part.

7. CUT. Roll it out pretty thin, just as you would pie dough. Make sure you coat your rolling tool with sugar so the gum will not stick. Cut the gum into whatever sized pieces you wish. Wrap the remaining gum in aluminum foil or wax paper so you can save some for later.

8. CHEW!

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Labeled Diagram: 

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Graphs and Data Tables:

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