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sensory tubes

Blue Candy Cane Science Experiment

January 23, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky 1 Comment

This easy-to-do blue candy cane science experiment is perfect for winter and transitions nicely into Valentine's Day.

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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

This blue candy cane snowflake experiment will wow little learners. It is easy to set up and shows immediate results.

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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.

Let the science experiment begin with this blue candy cane snowflake!

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

Invite participants to watch what happens.

An easy-to-do candy cane snowflake science experiment. All you need is water, candy canes, and a plate.

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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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Try this easy-to-do candy cane snowflake experiment today. It uses simple supplies and has immediate results. Snowflake facts are included.

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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.

This blue candy cane heart science experiment fits into winter and transitions nicely into Valentine's Day.

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A pretty blue candy cane science experiment that will wow little learners.

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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.

Candy cane winter sensory tube with ice cubes and snowflakes.

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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.

An icy blue candy cane winter sensory tube doubling as a float and sink experiment.

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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.

This eye-appealing blue candy cane sensory tube doubles as a float and sink experiment.

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Related: Color Explosion Science Experiment

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[Read more…] about Blue Candy Cane Science Experiment

Filed Under: preschool, science, sensory, winter Tagged With: candy canes, colors, science experiment, sensory tubes

Valentine’s Day Sensory Tubes

February 6, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Valentine's Day sensory tubes with red, purple, and pink loose parts. These tubes are perfect for float and sink experimentation.

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With so many Valentine’s Day bits and baubles available to purchase or collect, it is easy to gather little pieces for sensory tubes. And Valentine’s Day sensory tubes are fun to put together.

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Sensory Tube Loose Parts

Valentine's day loose parts tray with pieces for sensory tubes.

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Here’s a few supplies that would work well in the sensory tubes:

  • X and O game pieces
  • rainbow and heart erasers
  • heart and jewel-shaped gems
  • small buttons
  • heart garland strips
  • bead garland strips
  • rubber hearts
  • foam hearts

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Assembling The Valentine’s Day Sensory Tubes

Pick a few things from the loose parts list to drop in wide-mouthed water bottles with lids that secure on tightly. Then add water to each one. Set the tubes out on a table for little learners to investigate.

Valentine's Day sensory tubes with red, pink, and purple loose parts.

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Float and sink experimenting works well with these sensory tubes. In the one on the left, X and O game pieces float to the top. Foam hearts float and erasers and gems sink in the middle tube. And in the one on the right, heart-shaped gems sink to the bottom.

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Sensory tubes with Valentine's Day themed loose parts.

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[Read more…] about Valentine’s Day Sensory Tubes

Filed Under: preschool, sensory, Valentine's Day Tagged With: loose parts, sensory tubes, water play

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Hi, I'm Annette Kaminsky, a preschool teacher who loves sharing learning through play activities for young children. Thanks for visiting my site. Feel free to stay awhile!

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