Hi Jackie,
I’m so sorry that the experiment did not work for you. The ratio can be sensitive depending on the gummy worms.
You could try it with a higher concentration of baking soda, or you could also try it with sparkling water.
Hope that you have better luck next time.
Warmly,
Sarah // Playdough to Plato Team

It hasn’t worked for me either. I’m trying again. Mine dissolved. 😩

Hi!
You can do a similar experiment with popcorn kernels, but the amounts of baking soda and vinegar needed would likely vary.
Warmly,
Sarah // Playdough to Plato Team

Hi there!
I’m so sorry it didn’t work. Part of the secret is making sure the gummy worms are thin enough to be lifted.
Though we suggest cutting them into quarters, if you can cut them thinner, you may have a better chance of them working.
Warmly,
Sarah // Playdough to Plato Team

Same for me! I tried this 5 times but it still didn’t work. Very disappointed. Even though I followed the directions correctly it didn’t work. I don’t know what possibly went wrong.

Hi there! So sorry that your worms didn’t rise on the first go! We don’t want that. The brand should not make too much a difference, but if the baking soda was expired that might impact the results.
Kaylee // Playdough to Plato Team

At least a cup, maybe more.

Hi Carol,
I’m so sorry it didn’t work. Part of the secret is making sure the gummy worms are thin enough to be lifted.
Though we suggest cutting them into quarters, if you can cut them thinner, you may have a better chance of them working.
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

Yes! I agree, Ethan!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

Welcome, Brenda!
Hope you find some fun ideas here!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

Hi Mary,
Thanks for reaching out.
I’m sorry the experiment didn’t work.
Please check to be sure you sliced the worms lengthwise into pieces, so they are very thin. An entire worm is too heavy to “dance.”
Also, make sure you allow sufficient time for the worms to soak in the baking soda mixture.
Hope that helps!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

Hi JC,
I’m so sorry that the experiment did not work for you. The ratio can be sensitive depending on the gummy worms.
You could try it with a higher concentration of baking soda, or you could also try it with sparkling water.
Hope that you have better luck next time.
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

Hello Heather,
We’ve had the best luck using Black Forest gummy worms like the ones here: http://amzn.to/2kybLwb
The trick is to cut the worms into several small pieces so that they are light enough for the bubbles to lift them to the top of the cup.
I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Kimberleigh

Hi Tammy,
We have a great gummy bears activity here: https://www.playdoughtoplato.com/growing-gummy-bear-science/
I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Kimberleigh

That is a wonderful alternative. We love the Frankeworms option as a fun activity to do in the fall or around Halloween.
But either one, I am sure the kids will love to do!

Hi Samantha,

You can leave them for a little longer but I wouldn’t leave them for more than 30 min as they start to dissolve and get slimy. Hope this helps!

Hello Leslie,
We’ve had the best luck using Black Forest gummy worms like the ones here: http://amzn.to/2kybLwb
The trick is to cut the worms into several small pieces so that they are light enough for the bubbles to lift them to the top of the cup.
I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Kimberleigh

Hello Corinne,
Great question! We’ve had the best luck using Black Forest gummy worms like the ones here: http://amzn.to/2kybLwb
The trick is to cut the worms into several small pieces so that they are light enough for the bubbles to lift them to the top of the cup.
I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Kimberleigh

Hello Kiersten,
I am so sorry that it didn’t work. Here are some tips we gathered over the years: we’ve had the best luck using Black Forest gummy worms like the ones here: http://amzn.to/2kybLwb
The trick is to cut the worms into several small pieces so that they are light enough for the bubbles to lift them to the top of the cup.
I hope this helps!
Kimberleigh

Hello Sue!
Great question! We have never tried that way, but if you try it- we would love to hear your results!
Warmly,
Kimberleigh// Community Manager

Hello Penny,
Great question! I am not familiar with Allens Snakes, we’ve had the best luck using Black Forest gummy worms like the ones here: http://amzn.to/2kybLwb
The trick is to cut the worms into several small pieces so that they are light enough for the bubbles to lift them to the top of the cup.
I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Kimberleigh

Awesome tip! Thanks for sharing, Ann!!

We couldn’t, either. We tried several times. I’m glad we tried it at home before trying it at the Brownie meeting. Bummer, this one gets tagged a lot on pinterest.

Hi Riley,
I would think you could pre-soak the gummy worms in the baking soda and enough baking soda would coat the worms to make it work but you’d probably have to use them within an hour. I would suggest having all the worms pre-sliced then have 3 cups of the baking soda mixture on hand. Place the 1st batch of worms in 15 min before the first group will be doing this activity. Then add the second batch of worms to the second cup of baking soda just before you start the first group. That way by the time you get through the first group, the second group’s worms have soaked for 15 min. Then repeat this process when the second group starts with the worms for the third group. You could even have the kiddos mix up the baking soda and water then add the worms. Just use that mixture for the next group and have one that has been soaking on hand so they can see them dance without waiting. I do recommend trying it at home first so you get the hang of it before you have a group of kiddos watching you! I hope this helps!

Sorry to hear that you had difficulty with the experiment, Beth.

Hi Julie,

I’m sorry to hear the experiment didn’t turn out like expected. It definitely is fun to watch the worms dance around so it might be worth another try. I suspect cutting the worms in thirds and not fourths was probably where things went wrong. They really do have to be light for the air bubbles to give them lift. The worms are a pain to cut but I used a recently sharpened knife and that seemed to help a little. It’s a test in patience for sure! Good luck!! – Noirin

http://julieinthemaking.wordpress.com/2014/11/01/wiggly-worms-not-nailed-it-wednesday/

Thanks Julie

Yay Miss Flavia!! I’m excited that you’re going to give the Frankenworms a try. Have fun!!