Gumcentration

by Sumit De and Naman Madan

Foxborough Regional Charter School Science Fair

Abstract

Gumcentration, our science fair project, explores the numerous simple ways we can help people concentrate

better with more focus on everyday tasks. Gumcentration tested fourth and fifth graders on their ability to

concentrate with different techniques. The first test involved completing a normal math worksheet. The second

test involved completing a blue-colored math worksheet. The third test involved completing a normal math

worksheet with a gripped pencil. The fourth test involved completing a math worksheet while chewing gum.

Testing seventh graders, classical music helped more than the control group. Results show that for the entire

fourth grade and fifth grade males, chewing gum helped the most, with the highest average percentile of

accuracy. Blue paper helped second most, pencil grips helped third most, and having nothing received least test

scores. However, for the fifth grade females, pencil grips helped the most, followed by blue paper, chewing

gum, and having nothing. For the seventh grade, classical music helped the most. Comparing everything

together, classical music helped the most. Our hypothesis was proven correct. These variables helped our

subjects concentrate more. Our project is very beneficial to real-life. As for school, improving the level of

concentration allows the work to be completed efficiently and with an increase in productivity. This can lead to

better grades and can boost morale and confidence. It will help in higher grades when more and more work has

to be completed quickly. For example, if you get an essay done a day early, you can take a day to relax and

rejuvenate. Also, playing classical music, chewing gum, using a pencil grip, or using blue paper during

standardized testing can improve student scores, which can lead to improvement in school scores and ratings.

Previous Background Research

Concentration and attention are two essential components to everyday work and tasks. Many substances and

techniques can be used to please the senses and help these two aspects of your brain. These substances include

caffeine, chewing gum, music, lemon essential oil, a few prescription drugs, and various creative techniques.

Chewing gum, invented as old as the Neolithic era, was intentionally used for medical and oral purposes. But it

has been proven that chewing gum may actually help the ability to concentrate. A study in Germany conducted

at the University of Oldenburg showed that chewing gum had a positive and significant effect on a

concentration test. A study in Wales conducted by Cardiff University showed that chewing gum improves

selective attention, alertness and vigilance. Researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine found that students

who chewed gum showed an increase in standardized math test scores and their final grades were better

compared to those who didn't chew gum. Students who chewed gum had a significantly greater increase in their

standardized math test scores after 14 weeks of chewing gum in math class and while doing homework

compared to those who did not chew gum. Chewing gum was associated with a three percent increase in

standardized math test scores, a small but statistically significant change. Students who chewed gum had final

grades that were significantly better than those who didn't chew gum. A similar study by the Baylor College of

Medicine showed that chewing sugar free gum improved standardized math test scores by 3%. A study at the

University of Northumbria showed that chewing gum improved the ability to remember large chunks of

information by approximately 35%. A California state science fair project conducted by Lily C. Goldman found

that chewing gum improved the ability to play a memory game by approximately 70%. What do all these

studies show in common? They all show that chewing gum improves concentration, memory, and focus. Why

is this? It may be because chewing gum raises an average human’s heart beat by around 3 beats per minute

(BPM). The study at the University of Northumbria also found people who carried out the motion of chewing

gum but didn’t actually have it present in their mouth had their heart rates increase by 2 BPM. Another reason

may be that chewing gum triggers a production in insulin, which improves the ability to memorize and focus. A

third possibility is that it might not be the gum itself that helps concentration but rather the act of chewing.

Either way, chewing gum is significantly beneficial to concentration, memory, and focus.

Caffeine is a naturally-occurring substance in plants like tea leaves, cocoa and coffee beans that acts as a mild

stimulant drug when consumed by humans. In fact, it is the most popular stimulant drug in the world. However,

it is most widely known to improve concentration and alertness. A study in 2005 by the Medical University at

Innsbruck, Austria, determined that caffeine promoted increased activity in specific areas of the brain that are

involved in planning, attention, monitoring, and concentration. Studies from the London University of Hygiene

showed that caffeine improved cognitive abilities, reasoning ability, and alertness. A study at the Swinburne

University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia showed that despite being well rested, administration of

caffeine significantly increased alertness and enhanced performance. What do all these studies show in

common? They all show that caffeine improves concentration, focus, and alertness. Why is this? Scientists

believe that caffeine interferes with the action of the neurotransmitter adenosine. Adenosine has a calming

effect on the brain, so the result of its interaction with caffeine is increased alertness and wakefulness. Another

possibility is that the fact that caffeine stimulates the central nervous system which alleviates fatigue, increases

wakefulness, and improves concentration and focus.

Lemon essential oil is yellow essential oil squeezed from a lemon rind. It has a sharp, fresh, clean, strong,

purifying, sugary citrus and slightly sour smell. It is pale greenish-yellow in color, and is watery in viscosity,

originated in India. A study in Japan showed that diffusing certain aromas in an office environment dramatically

improved mental accuracy and concentration. Diffused lemon essential oil resulted in 54 percent fewer errors.

When aromas were diffused during test taking, scores increased by as much as 50 percent. It is now used in

Japanese factories and workshops to promote concentration. An anonymous study not only showed that lemon

essential oil improved concentration but also showed it improved decision-making. Lemon essential oil also

prevents migraine headaches, which decrease concentration. Why do lemons and lemon essential oil help

concentration? According to YoungLiving, lemon essential oil promotes clarity of thought and purpose and

energizes and stimulates the mind and body, which freshens the body and provides relief. Another reason may

be that lemon essential oil primarily activates the hippocampus, which affects short- and long-term memory.

Lemons aren’t the only things whose scent and essential oil helps concentration. Mangos, apples, and bergamot

oranges all promote concentration. Certain herbs and spices such as cardamom, basil and rosemary can help

improve concentration. These scents help fight the effects of stress and mental fatigue that can lead to having a

difficult time concentrating. The outdoor scents of pine, cedarwood, and eucalyptus are used to help fight

difficulties with concentration. These scents help boost energy levels as well as focus, and eucalyptus can be

combined with other scents for a refreshing change. Peppermint has been shown to increase alertness for long

periods of time. Peppermint also can relieve migraine headaches, which can cause a decrease in concentration.

The scent of peppermint can also relieve difficulty concentrating that is caused stress and mental fatigue.

Classical music is a type of music often involving large orchestras and typically exists without vocal

accompaniment. Violins, flutes, clarinets, and pianos are some of many instruments used within classical music.

Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven are some the most recognizable and famous classical musicians. Classical music,

when played, is shown to help concentration. A study at the Australian Music Association not only showed that

classical music improved concentration but also showed improvement in reasoning capacity and problem

solving skills, math and language performance, memory, greater social and team skills. Arthur Harvey, a well-

known neuromusicologist, proved that listening to Johann Bach’s music is the most beneficial type of classical

music to concentrate. A study at the University of Maryland showed that Baroque classical music improved the

ability to concentrate for ⅞ of the subjects tested. Other studies have also correlated baroque classical music

with improved spatial reasoning, attentiveness and concentration. Another anonymous study proved that

listening to Mozart improved concentration and IQ during that period of time. Why does music help you

concentrate? According to Stephan Christman, professor at the University of Toledo, one of the major factors of

concentration is the person's arousal level. A quiet room can cause a person to have a low arousal level, while a

room with a lot of activity will cause them to have a high arousal level. The key to focus, Christman says, is

achieving an optimum level of stimulation. The reasoning for music helping concentration according to Stephan

Christman is that music can help solving the issue of the split between the right and left hemispheres of the

brain. While the left hemisphere is better at dealing with concentration, the right hemisphere deals with

complementary attention, such as reacting to a phone ringing. Playing music while studying allows the right

hemisphere to "enjoy itself" and not get bored while doing something that would normally be very tedious.

There are many prescription drugs that can help concentration. These types of drugs are known as

amphetamines. Ritalin, a stimulant drug best known as a treatment for hyperactive children, is proved to help

concentration, alertness, and focus. Similar ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) drugs such as

Adderall and amphetamine Dexedrine have the same effects. Adderall was originally intended for bicyclists in

Belgium who had to stay awake during nighttime races. Scientists say that these drugs improve concentration

because the stimulant increases the levels of dopamine in the Central Nervous System. Dopamine released in

the brain creates a sort of reward for the body when experiencing something pleasurable, creating a sense of

euphoria. A separate study showed that Donepezil and Modafinil greatly improved a pilot’s ability to fly at

nighttime compared to placebo, caffeine, and any other amphetamines.

Hypothesis

If a student is completing a worksheet, then chewing gum, having the worksheet blue, using a pencil grip, and

listening to classical music will improve their concentration and test score.

Materials

regular mathematic worksheets

Trident original flavor chewing gum

blue mathematic worksheets

music radio

pencil grips

professional stopwatch

Procedure

Experiment 1

Day 1

Hand out mathematics worksheets to fourth grade subjects and give directions on completion of worksheets.

When ready, allow subjects to start the worksheet. Give subjects eight minutes to complete the worksheet, and

answer any questions they have. When finished, collect the worksheets. Repeat with fifth grade subjects except

give five minutes for completion instead of eight minutes.

Day 2

Hand out blue-colored mathematics worksheets to fourth grade subjects and give directions on completion of

worksheets. When ready, allow subjects to start the worksheet. Give subjects eight minutes to complete the

worksheet, and answer any questions they have. When finished, collect the worksheets. Repeat with fifth grade

subjects except give five minutes for completion instead of eight minutes.

Day 3

Hand out mathematics worksheets and gripped pencils to fourth grade subjects and give directions on

completion of worksheets. When ready, allow subjects to start the worksheet. Give subjects eight minutes to

complete the worksheet, and answer any questions they have. When finished, collect the worksheets. Repeat

with fifth grade subjects except give five minutes for completion instead of eight minutes.

Day 4

Hand out Trident chewing gum to 4th

grade subjects. Hand out mathematics worksheets to fourth grade subjects

three minutes later and give directions on completion of worksheets. When ready, allow subjects to start the

worksheet. Give subjects eight minutes to complete the worksheet, and answer any questions they have. When

finished, collect the worksheets. Repeat with fifth grade subjects except give five minutes for completion

instead of eight minutes.

Experiment 2

Day 1

Hand out mathematics worksheets to seventh grade subjects and give directions on completion of worksheets.

When ready, allow subjects to start the worksheet. Give subjects eight minutes to complete the worksheet, and

answer any questions they have. When finished, collect the worksheets.

Day 2

Play classical music on music player. Two minutes later, hand out mathematics worksheets to seventh grade

subjects and give directions on completion of worksheets. When ready, allow subjects to start the worksheet.

Give subjects eight minutes to complete the worksheet, and answer any questions they have. When finished,

collect the worksheets.

Data

Experiment 1

Most beneficial substances for 4th grade boys: Chewing Gum, Blue Paper, Pencil Grip, Nothing

Most beneficial substances for 4th grade girls: Chewing Gum, Blue Paper, Pencil Grip, Nothing

Most beneficial substances for all 4th grade: Chewing Gum, Blue Paper, Pencil Grip, Nothing

Most beneficial substances for 5th grade boys: Chewing Gum, Blue Paper, Pencil Grip, Nothing

Most beneficial substances for 5th grade girls: Pencil Grip, Blue Paper, Chewing Gum, Nothing

Most beneficial substances for all 5th grade: Pencil Grip, Blue Paper, Chewing Gum, Nothing

Total Most Beneficial Substances: Chewing Gum, Blue Paper, Pencil Grip, Nothing

(84.06%) (79.24%) (78.06%) (63.64%)

Pencil Grips provided test results approximately 23% higher

Blue Paper provided test results approximately 25% higher

Chewing Gum provided test results approximately 32% higher.

Total 4

th grade male subjects: 6

Total 4th

grade female subjects: 8

Total Average Control Group: 73.05%

Total Average Blue Paper: 87.29%

Total Average Pencil Grips: 77.71%

Total Average Chewing Gum: 90.27%

Total 5

th grade male subjects: 4

Total 5th

grade female subjects: 7

Total Average Control Group: 52.35%

Total Average Blue Paper: 69.73%

Total Average Pencil Grips: 78.5%

Total Average Chewing Gum: 67.625%

Control Group Chewing Gum Pencil Grip Blue Paper

Boys 73.30% 92.70% 78.66% 87.30%

Girls 72.60% 87.83% 77% 87.28%

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

80.00%

90.00%

100.00%

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4th grade results

Control Group Chewing Gum Pencil Grip Blue Paper

Boys 46.13% 63.00% 59.33% 62.25%

Girls 64.20% 70.40% 87% 74.00%

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

80.00%

90.00%

100.00%

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5th grade results

Experiment 2

Total 7

th grade subjects (pairs): 11 pairs

Music provided test results approximately 68% higher

Total Control Group: 47.27%

Total Music: 79.5%

Control Group Blue Paper Pencil Grips Chewing Gum

Overall 63.64% 79.24% 78.06% 84.06%

4th grade 73.05% 87.29% 77.71% 90.27%

5th grade 52.35% 69.73% 78.50% 67.63%

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

80.00%

90.00%

100.00%

Pe

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Overall Scores

Control Group Music

7th grade 47.27% 79.50%

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

80.00%

90.00%

Pe

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7th grade

Blue Paper Pencil Grips Chewing Gum Classical Music

Series 1 25% 23% 32% 68%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Pe

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Overall Score Increase

6 8

4th grade subjects

Boys

Girls

4

7

5th grade subjects

Boys

Girls

Results

Our results show that most of the subjects in 4th

and 5th

grade received their high scores while chewing gum.

The only exception was the 5th

grade girls, who received their high scores while using a pencil grip. However,

they all show that they received their second high scores working on a blue-colored paper and received their

least score using regular paper. Our hypothesis is proven correct. Classical music, chewing gum, blue-colored

paper, and pencil grips in fact did help our subjects concentrate more on their worksheet. However, they all

helped at different levels. For the 4th

grade, chewing gum helped improved the most. For the 5th

grade, pencil

grips help the most. For the 7th

grade subjects, music helped concentration in seventh graders. Comparing all of

these together, classical music (non-vocal) helped the most.

Conclusions

Our hypothesis was supported by our data. Chewing gum, blue-colored paper, pencil grips, and music in fact

did help our subjects concentrate more on their worksheet. However, they all helped at different levels.

Classical, non-vocal music helped the most, increasing the seventh grade scores by approximately 68%.

Chewing gum helped the second-most, increasing fourth and fifth grade scores by approximately 32%. Blue

paper helped the third most increasing fourth and fifth grade scores by approximately 25%. Pencil grips helped

the fourth-most increasing fourth and fifth grade scores by approximately 32%. The control group had the

lowest scores.

The answer to our problem, how to help students concentrate without the use of medical drugs, is to first listen

to classical music and/or chewing gum and if possible ask your teacher to copy in blue or complete the task with

a grip on your pencil.

Our project is very beneficial to real-life. As for school, improving the level of concentration allows the work to

be completed efficiently and with an increase in productivity. This can lead to better grades and can boost

morale and confidence. It will help in higher grades when more and more work has to be completed quickly.

For example, if you get an essay done a day early, you can take a day to relax and rejuvenate. Also, playing

classical music, chewing gum, using a pencil grip, or using blue paper during standardized testing can improve

student scores, which can lead to improvement in school scores and ratings.

4th grade subjects, 14

5th grade subjects , 11

7th grade partners, 11

Total Subjects

4th grade subjects

5th grade subjects

7th grade partners

This could be the first step in improving performance and productivity. How can we improve our project?

We could have improved our science fair project in many ways. We could’ve done it once a week on the same

day of the week, as some children have a better morale on Fridays then on Mondays. We could have made sure

that they were wearing the same dress code each day as they could’ve been in more comfortable clothes on one

day than on another. During this experiment we came up with many questions to answer for ourselves. One

question could be, “What would have happened if we gave them more than one of the variables?” We believe it

would increase their score even more, but that question is up to debate. Another question could be, “Could

different textures of clothes help concentration and comfort?” The answer to these questions could further more

improve our studies.

Glossary

Accompaniment- music played to support a person who is singing or playing a musical instrument

ADHD- behavioral syndrome characterized by inattention and distractibility, restlessness, inability to sit still,

and difficulty concentrating on one thing for any period of time

Alleviate- to make (as symptoms) less severe or more bearable

Arousal- to stimulate action or physiological readiness for activity

Baroque- a period of artistic style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce

drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, architecture, literature, dance and music

Cardamom- seeds of an Indian plant that are used as a spice in cooking and baking

Cognitive Abilities- mental activities such as thinking, understanding, learning, and remembering

Concentration- the ability to give your attention or thought to a single object or activity; the ability to

concentrate

Eucalyptus- a type of tree that grows naturally in western Australia and that is grown in other places for the

products (such as wood and oil) that it provides

Hippocampus- a major component of the brains of humans and other vertebrates that belongs to the limbic

system and plays important roles in the storage of information from short-term memory to long-term memory

and spatial navigation.

Insulin- a substance that your body makes and uses to turn sugar into energy

Migraine (headaches) - severe headaches

Rejuvenate- to restore to an original or new state

Selective attention- the process by which a person can selectively pick out one message from a mixture of

messages occurring simultaneously

Stimulant- a substance that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism

or any of its parts

Vigilance- the state of being alertly watchful, especially to avoid danger

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