GIANT GUMMY WORM DISSECTION DIG

In this super quick and easy edible excavation tutorial, we are going to make a Giant Gummy Worm Dissection Dig for your young Excavating Adventurer to dig in and enjoy. This tasty treat is super easy to make and a lot of fun.

Excavating Adventures Pro Tip: Don’t have any giant gummy worm? No problem! You can easily use regular gummy worms or any gummy candy and let your young Excavating Adventurers imagination take over. They will enjoy edible excavation no matter what you hide inside. Giant gummy worms can be a little pricey but they make for a really impressive excavation activity… especially after we make them grow!

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Materials:

6 Tbsp salted butter

6 cups mini marshmallows – Mini marshmallows melt easier than the larger ones.

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

4 cups Rice Krispy cereal

Giant gummy worm

Optional – black food coloring

13 x 9 x 2-inch pan

Measuring cups and spoons

Spatula

Cooking spray

Plastic spoons, forks, and knives. These will be the excavation tools.

Large tray or mixing bowl. This needs to be big enough to hold the giant gummy worm and have plenty of extra room for it to grow.

Water

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In large saucepan melt butter over low heat.
Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
Add a drop or two of black food coloring if you want.
Add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated.
Coat the 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan with cooking spray.
Place the giant gummy worm in the center of the pan.
Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, evenly press the mixture into the pan being sure to completely cover the giant gummy worm.
Allow to cool.
The Giant Worm Dissection Dig is best if served the same day.
Distribute the “excavation tools” and encourage the Excavating Adventurers to dig in and discover the giant gummy worm.
After the giant gummy worm has been recovered, place the worm in the tray and fill with water, making sure the worm is fully submerged.
Observe the giant gummy worm for several days and enjoy watching it grow!

Excavating Adventures Pro Tip: The Giant Worm Dissection Dig is a great way to demonstrate osmosis. Osmosis will cause some of the water molecules to move from the water in the cup into the giant gummy worm. The gummy worm will fill with water and get even bigger. The gummy worm is made of gelatin. Instead of dissolving in water, the gelatin will act like a sponge, absorb water, and grow in size.

Marvelous Osmosis: Exploring the Magical World of Water in Geology!

Fun Facts about Osmosis in Geology:

Osmosis is a process in which water molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.
In geology, osmosis plays a role in the movement of water through porous rocks and minerals, influencing the distribution and availability of water in the Earth's crust.
Osmosis helps transport essential minerals and nutrients to plant roots, enabling their growth and survival in various geological environments.
The movement of water through osmosis can contribute to the weathering and erosion of rocks, as water infiltrates porous materials and carries dissolved minerals away.
Osmosis can also influence the formation of mineral deposits, as water carries dissolved minerals and deposits them in new areas when the water evaporates or reacts with other substances.
Saltwater intrusion is a phenomenon related to osmosis, where seawater infiltrates freshwater aquifers, making the water in those aquifers undrinkable or less suitable for agriculture.
Osmosis is a vital process for maintaining the water balance in ecosystems, as it helps regulate the movement of water between different organisms and their environments.
Osmosis can contribute to the formation of natural geological formations such as stalactites and stalagmites in caves, where water seeps through rocks, carrying dissolved minerals that eventually precipitate.
Osmosis plays a role in the transport of nutrients and dissolved gases in aquatic environments, ensuring the survival of various organisms and maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems.
The study of osmosis in geology helps scientists understand the movement of water in different geological settings and contributes to our knowledge of water resources and environmental sustainability.

Remember, osmosis is a fascinating natural process that influences the movement and distribution of water, shaping our geologically diverse world!

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Question 1: What is osmosis? A) The movement of water from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration B) The movement of water from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration C) The movement of gases through a semi-permeable membrane D) The movement of solid particles through a semi-permeable membrane

Correct answer: A) The movement of water from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration

Question 2: How does osmosis contribute to the formation of mineral deposits? A) By transporting dissolved minerals to new areas B) By eroding rocks and minerals C) By causing rocks to dissolve completely D) By causing the evaporation of water from mineral-rich areas

Correct answer: A) By transporting dissolved minerals to new areas

Question 3: What is the phenomenon known as saltwater intrusion related to? A) The movement of water through osmosis B) The formation of caves and stalactites C) The weathering and erosion of rocks D) The process of evaporation

Correct answer: A) The movement of water through osmosis