Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

candy science

Candy Cane Wreath Experiment

by Leave a Comment

_______

It’s tradition for me to do a candy cane science experiment every December, and each year I arrange the candy canes in a new way or change up the sizes and colors of the sweet treat. In this post, I debut my latest design, a candy cane wreath experiment.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies to Collect

Gathering supplies for this simple science experiment couldn’t be any easier. Just select an edged waterproof tray, and purchase a package of candy canes. You may have some on hand already. Then fill a pitcher or large glass with water and you are good to go.

_______

The Candy Cane Wreath Experiment

To perform this inexpensive color science experiment, arrange candy canes around the edge of a waterproof tray in a wreath-like shape.

_______

If you look closely, you’ll notice one or two broken candy canes in the tray and a few oddly shaped ones. This science experiment is the perfect use for them, as I wouldn’t have wanted to hand those out as treats.

Next, slowly pour water into the tray until the candy canes are just covered in liquid.

Then watch what happens. You’ll see the candy cane colors slowly spread through the water.

_______

Note: The color changes happen quickly. Stay by the science experiment and have your camera ready to snap a few pictures.

_______

_______

_______

After a little while, you can carry on with other activities and periodically check in on the experiment to see even more color changes and view the candy canes melting away.

_______

The Science Behind This Candy Cane Color Experiment

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.

_______

More Candy Cane Activities

Candy Cane Playdough Tray

Mini Candy Cane Tree Experiment

Christmas Peppermint Sensory Bin

Blue Candy Cane Science Experiment

_______

[Read more…] about Candy Cane Wreath Experiment

Shamrock Dissolving Candy Experiment

by Leave a Comment

Try this stunning, easy-to-perform shamrock dissolving candy science experiment today! It brings a WOW factor.

_______

Lately, I cannot get enough of candy color science. So, in addition to previous endeavors, I tried a shamrock dissolving candy experiment. It’s got all the WOW factor similar experiments offer.

Since it is difficult to find a clear or white shamrock-shaped plate or pan, a shamrock outline taken from a St. Patrick’s Day wall decoration helps create the aesthetic appeal. And it does the job beautifully!

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Supplies for a science experiment couldn’t be any easier to gather. Just four items are needed:

  • shamrock outline
  • striped green and white candies
  • round, square, or rectangular leak-proof tray
  • measuring cup
Steps to perform a shamrock dissolving candy science experiment that delivers a WOW factor.

_______

Performing The Shamrock Dissolving Candy Experiment

First, set the shamrock outline in the center of a tray that is a little larger than the clover shape.

Next, position the striped candies next to each other around the inside of the shamrock.

Then, fill a 500 ml measuring cup with warm water.

Slowly pour the warm water into the tray, aiming for the area near the rim. Cover just the bottom of the tray with liquid.

Watch what happens!

This stunning, easy-to-perform shamrock dissolving candy science experiment delivers a WOW factor.

_______

After the color has spread from the candies into different patterns, a leprechaun could be floated in the center of the shamrock outline for added visual appeal.

The leprechaun is the finishing touch to this stunning, easy-to-perform shamrock dissolving candy science experiment.

_______

Participants may wish to taste the colored water. It will likely have a noticeable mint flavor. The candies will slowly dissolve, but a few could be scooped up for tasting as well.

Note: The shamrock outline can be washed and dried afterward, and used as a  tracer.

_______

The Science Behind This Candy Science Experiment

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

Water temperature is a variant in this experiment. Sugar dissolves quicker in warm water, and food coloring moves at a faster pace.

This science experiment is so easy to set up and has immediate results, perfect for little learners. And participants get to use their senses of sight, smell, taste, and touch. Try it today!

Try this stunning, easy-to-perform shamrock dissolving candy Science experiment today! It brings a WOW factor.

_______

Related: Blue Candy Cane Science Experiment

              Heart-Shaped Dissolving Candy Science

_______

[Read more…] about Shamrock Dissolving Candy Experiment