FD&C Food Dyes in Gatorade -- Teacher Background

Time required:

Wet lab--1 lab period

Data analysis--1 class period

Learning Goals:

Lecture Connections


Background:

Food Dye Chemical Name Chemical Formula Molecular Weight Structural Formula
blue #1 Brilliant Blue FCF, or Erioglaucine C37H34N2O9S3Na2 792.84
red #40 Allura Red C18H14N2O8S2Na2 496.42
yellow #5 Tartrazine C16H9N4O9S2Na3 534.36

Equipment/Materials: 24 students working in pairs

Chemicals Needed Equipment and Supplies Needed
  • Gatorade Fruit Punch (FD&C red dye #40)
  • Gatorade Glacier Freeze--Frost (FD&C blue dye #1)
  • Gatorade Lemon-Lime (FD&C yellow dye #5)
  • assigned Gatorade flavor

One 32-oz bottle of each Gatorade color will provide more than enough samples for several classes.

Sample Data: We have included sample data for your reference. Please keep in mind that different flavors or brands may produce different spectra with wavelength peaks and absorbances that differ from those shown here.

 

Safety: Students should follow general safety procedures regarding the handling of glassware.

Disposal: All materials are nontoxic. Although solutions may be flushed down the drain, it is good training for students to empty their cuvettes into labeled waste or used-materials containers. This procedure will encourage good disposal habits when more hazardous materials are used in the lab.

Suggestions: Either have the Gatorade samples available in a labeled beaker or cover the ingredients label of the Gatorade bottles so students cannot use that information before they analyze their data.

Troubleshooting: To correct poor spectra, try one or more of the following suggestions:

1. Blank the machine. Listen for the click that signals the blank has been read. Re-scan samples.

2. Be sure the cuvette is clean and dry, and inserted properly into the holder. (Moisture or fingerprints on the clear sides of the cuvette can interfere with the machine's reading.)

3. If the spectra are showing either jagged peaks or flattened plateaus instead of distinct, smooth peaks, the solution may be too concentrated. Dilute the solution and re-scan the sample.

4. You may also view the Spectra Library of Common Mistakes for further comparison.

 

Alternatives:

Other flavors of Gatorade may be used. Simple check the label to be sure what food dyes are present.

 

Maine State Learning Results (MSLR): This lab encourages skills listed in the following performance indicators under content area for secondary scores:

E. The Structure of Matter:

    J. Inquiry and Problem Solving

    Students will apply inquiry and problem-solving approaches in science and technology. Students will be able to:

    1. Make accurate observations using appropriate tools and units of measure.
    2. Verify , evaluate, and use results in a purposeful way. This includes analyzing and interpreting data, making predictions based on observed patterns, testing solutions against the original problem conditions, and formulating additional questions.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to use scientific inquiry and technological method with short-term and long-term investigations, recognizing that a there is more than one way to solve a problem. Demonstrate knowledge of different strategies.

     

    K. Scientific Reasoning

    Students will learn to formulate and justify ideas and to make informed decisions.Students will be able to:

    3. Develop generalizations based on observations

    4. Determine when there is a need to revise studies in order to improve their validity trough better sampling, controls, or data analysis techniques.

     

    L. Communication

    Students will communicate effectively in the application of science and technology. Students will be able to:

    3. Make and use appropriate symbols, pictures, diagrams, scale drawings, and models to represent and simplify real-life situations and to solve problems.

    4. Employ graphs, tables, and maps in making arguments and drawing conclusions.

    7. Use computers to organize data, generate models, and do research for problem solving.

     

 

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