Because of the massive bubbles you can blow with the stretchy candy, bubble gum has become increasingly popular since being invented. Children especially delight in bubble blowing, and some even have perfected the art of gum bubbles by sticking to a specific brand that claims to have the biggest bubble blowing capacity. For a project, students can select three or four brands of bubble gum and chart which brand blows the biggest bubbles. Have another student, or parent, hold a ruler up to measure the bubble until it pops.
According to the International Chewing Gum Association, pro basketball player Michael Jordan used to chew Doublemint gum during games to aid in concentration. Teachers scold children for popping bubbles in class but recently have discovered students may be onto something when it comes to chewing gum to stay focused. Students can select two individuals as test subjects, having one chew bubble gum while the other does not. Give the two test subjects a series of word pairs, where the students would have to say the first word, then explain the second. Record whether the gum-chewing individual concentrated harder than the individual not chewing gum.
Spearmint, peppermint and cinnamon are the most common and popular gum flavors, according to the International Chewing Gum Association, and every brand of gum has different flavors to choose from. Brands compete over which has the longest lasting flavors, as a gum that retains flavor longer will sell more than a brand that gets used up quickly. Choose five or six brands of bubble gum. Allow students to pop, blow, smack and chew on the different types, and time how long it takes for each to lose its flavor.
Every season, florists set about arranging expensive fresh cut flowers and plants for the different holidays and celebrations throughout the year. When money gets tight, that bouquet of ruby roses may not be practical. For the gum chewer in your life, a snazzy project with a flower pot, wrapped bubble gum pieces and other supplies can surprise and delight your loved one. Cut some floral foam to fit into the bottom of the pot, then arrange two squares of colored cellophane and press to the bottom of the pot. Cut five pieces of 16 gauge floral wire into 6-inch lengths and five pieces into 8-inch lengths. Use floral tape to attach two or three pieces of the bubble gum onto the wire stems. Stick your bubble gum flowers through the cellophane and floral foam, and secure with glue if needed. You can wrap the flowers in smaller cellophane squares and tie with curling ribbon if desired.