Annette Kaminsky

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This blue candy cane science experiment is an offshoot of an earlier candy cane science post. I purposely saved blue striped candy canes to use in a few winter-themed variations of the easy-to-perform experiment. And yes…I am permanently hooked on candy cane science!

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Supplies To Collect

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First up is a blue candy cane snowflake version of the experiment. To perform it gather the following three supplies:

• six blue and white striped candy canes
• large clear, white, or cream-colored plate with a rim
• measuring cup (or cup) of warm water

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The Candy Cane Snowflake Experiment

Set the candy canes on a large plate in a six-sided snowflake design.

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Slowly pour in warm water to partially cover the candy canes.

Invite participants to watch what happens.

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While little learners watch the colors in the water spread during the experiment, slip in a few snowflake facts from the list below.

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Ten Fast Facts About Snowflakes

• Snowflakes are made of many snow crystals that are stuck together.
• The six-sided flakes come in symmetrical, hexagonal shapes.
• About 200 ice crystals make up one snowflake.
• There are six basic types of snowflakes.
• Combinations of these types make 35 recognizable snowflake designs.
• A snowflake’s shape is determined by the temperature and amount of moisture in the air when it was formed.
• Snowflakes range in size, from teeny tiny to penny-sized.
• Because they reflect light, snowflakes appear white. But they are actually translucent.
• Every second, billions of snowflakes float down to earth.
• Snowflakes fall at 3- 4 miles per hour or about 5 – 6.5 km per hour.

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Early learners may wish to have a little taste of the resulting blue liquid. Unlike the strong mint taste of the Christmas candies, the blue water has a pleasant berry flavor.

Tip: If you have other candy cane colors available rather than blue striped ones, use them in the experiment instead. Snowflakes look beautiful in all colors!

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Blue Candy Cane Heart Experiment

For a simpler but equally striking version, form two candy canes into a heart shape on the plate. When water is slowly added, little learners will notice a different color pattern developing.

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The Science Behind The Color Movement

The candy canes are made of sugar. The water breaks the sugar molecules apart. Then the food colors move through the water away from areas of higher sugar concentration (near the candy) to areas with less sugar. When the sugar concentration is the same in all areas, the colors stop moving.

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Blue Candy Cane Sensory Tube

If you have broken candy canes saved that weren’t suitable to display or hand out over the holidays, use them in a sensory tube.

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To make the winter-themed tube above, freeze ice cubes and add them to a clear tube with a wide mouth.

Next, sprinkle in blue and white foam and gem snowflakes.

Gently drop in blue-striped candy cane pieces.

Then fill the sensory tube with cool water and tightly screw on the lid.

Invite little learners to play with the tube.

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Because the water in the tube is cool, it changes color at a slower pace than in the snowflake and heart versions of the experiment.

Float and sink experimentation happens naturally with this candy cane tube. The snowflake gems and candy cane pieces sink to the bottom and hang out there, while the foam shapes congregate at the top.

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Related: Color Explosion Science Experiment

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