Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am doing the science buddies project "gel well". The instructions say to use two tablespoons of each additive in the mold, and I tried that in a test run. The additives filled up almost half of the molds, and they didn't dissolve. The instructions didn't say to stir the additives into the gelatin mold, either. I'm thinking maybe two tablespoons is incorrect, and teaspoons is what I'm supposed to use. What should I do?

Hello and welcome to the forums!
Could you tell us what capacity each of your molds holds? The experiment did say 2 tablespoons, but you are supposed to add 1/3 cup of gelatin mixture (about 5 1/3 Tbsp). I think that ratio should dissolve, but maybe not. I would think stirring the mixture would be a good idea.

Keith

I did use 1/3 cup gelatin and with the additives in the mold, they almost overflowed. I am using the popsicle mold from the link on the science buddies site, and the site says to use three molds for each of the four groups, and there are only ten molds, so that link needs to be changed as well. Would it be better to put the gelatin and additive in a bowl, mix it, then put it in the mold? Thanks for all your help!

Hello tiptaptess,

If you were using the molds to make popsicles as intended, they would be nice if they were really full. In using them for this experiment, being brim full is not critical, but having them all full to the same level will make your testing more reliable. I think your suggestion is a good idea: mix the gelatin and additive thoroughly in a cup or bowl and then pour the mixture into the mold.
You certainly can't put twelve items into ten containers. I suppose the options are to reduce the number of items, or use the containers a second time. You could do six trials in each of two preparations.
Your experience is typical of being an experimentalist. Nothing ever seems to work on the first try. Standard procedure is to clean up the mess, consider what went wrong, change the experiment protocol, and try again.

Good luck, WW