Easy Peppermint Science Experiment
Just in time for candy season, we have this Easy Peppermint Science Experiment! Take those leftover peppermint candies, try out this fun, colorful activity, and introduce your kids to the world of chemistry.
If you’re looking for more fun activities, check out our bigger list of Simple Homeschool Science Experiments.
Who knew that you could combine a fun learning experiment like this with a simple mint candy? The kids are going to love this unique activity and you will, too! Just save up those peppermints and get ready to be amazed!
This is such a great activity to prove that science doesn’t have to be stressful or hard. A simple activity about science doesn’t have to be difficult. This is the proof!
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Why teach science?
Exploration and experimentation in science are very important to early childhood development. When we do these fun science experiments with our kids, we’re teaching them incredibly important life skills! We help them practice careful observation, and learn how to make predictions.
They learn how to ask questions, think about the answers, and form their own opinions. We can also teach them how to communicate their thoughts as we discuss what we’re doing with them.
Science Experiments at Home
The best part about doing various learning at home is that you have the flexibility to do cool projects like this one! Once the kids see how fun and easy this is, they surely want to do it on their own!
Let them take over and be the scientists of this fun activity. This will build their confidence and make them want to learn even more and do more activities just like this.
Recommended Science Experiment Books
It is nice to have a collection of science experiment books on your bookshelves to pique their curiosity in science. The kids can read and will be interested to try the experiments, they can even do some on their own.
Here are the books that you have to try out. I have included kitchen science experiments, of course, there is also science in the kitchen!
Big Chemistry Experiments for Little Kids: A First Science Book for Ages 3 to 5 (Big Experiments for Little Kids)Super Simple Science Experiments for Curious Kids: 100 Awesome Activities Using Supplies You Already OwnThe Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book: Boil Ice, Float Water, Measure Gravity-Challenge the World Around You!Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat!Science Experiments for Kids Ages 5 to 9: 101 Fun STEAM Projects for Curious MindBig Science Experiments for Little Kids: A First Science Book for Ages 3 to 5
Peppermint Science Activity Supplies
For this experiment, you’ll only need a few things:
- white ceramic plate (so you can better see the effects)
- hard peppermint candies (the brighter the color, the better!)
- warm water
Recommended Science Activity Kits
Try these kits, which are a great way to bring hands-on learning into your home. They offer fun experiments and projects, perfect for your kids. Whether it’s chemistry, biology, or physics, science kits make learning exciting and engaging!
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Amazing Chemistry Set – Chemistry Kit with 45 Science Experiments Including Crystal Growing and Reactions, Science Kit for Kids, STEM Gift for Boys and Girls (Amazon Exclusive)Creative Kids Magic Bouncy Balls – DIY STEM Toys – Science Kit for Kids – 25 Multicolor Bags & 5 Molds Makes Up to 43 BallsDino Soap Making Kit For Kids, Dinosaur Science Toys Kits, Easter Gifts For Kids All Ages, DIY Activities Craft Kits – Art Crafts Gift Set For Boys And Girls, Kid Age 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 Year Old BoySTEM Science Kits for Kids 5-7 8-12, Robotics Robot Building Car Kit STEM Toys for Boys Robots Craft 5-8 6-8, Science Activities Experiment Engineering Project Electronics 5 6 7 8 Year Old Boy Gifts50 Lab Experiments Science Kit for Kids, STEM Activities Educational Scientist Toys Gifts for Age 6-12 Year Old Boys Girls, Chemistry and Physics Set Toys Educational Learning SetNATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Spy Science Kit – Kids Spy Activity Set, Complete 10 Secret Spy Missions with Spy Gadgets for Kids and Spy Gear, Kids Detective Kit, Science Kits for Kids, Pretend Play
Recommended Science Worksheets
Junior Scientist Science Study: Volcanoes
Have they ever wondered how magma emerges and erupts in volcanoes? This volcano worksheet is perfect for your kids. Aside from the activities included, you can also pair this with an erupting volcano experiment!
Junior Scientist Science Study: The Moon
They say the universe is an empty space. But, studying about the moon is definitely going to be full of learning. Grab these worksheets and learn everything about the moon and its phases, with great activities!
How to do this peppermint experiment?
We started by gathering everything we needed for the experiment but my kids were already buzzing with excitement, making guesses about what would happen when the candy hit the water.
The setup was simple, but it felt like we were about to uncover a secret. They were all in, ready to be scientists for the day!
As we dropped the mints into the warm water, my kids’ eyes widened. The colors slowly started to swirl out from the candy, creating this fascinating show in the water.
They were so hooked, it was like time stood still for a moment. I couldn’t help but smile at how something so simple had them completely engrossed.
They even took turns leaning in close to get a better look, pointing out every little change they noticed.
Throughout the experiment, they kept making guesses and talking about what they were seeing. It was one of those moments where we were all genuinely having fun together, laughing, and being curious.
They couldn’t stop talking about how cool it looked, and honestly, I was just as thrilled watching them enjoy it. It wasn’t just an experiment, it was a little adventure we got to enjoy!
The Science Behind the Peppermint Science Experiment
In this experiment, kids get to see how warm water dissolves sugar from the candy, making the colors spread in the water. The sugar molecules in the candy break apart when they mix with the warm water, and that’s why the colors seem to “melt” and swirl around. It’s a fun and exciting way to show how heat helps speed up the process of dissolving.
As the candy sits in the water, the colorful patterns form as the sugar and food coloring spread out. It’s like watching a little science show unfold right in front of you! This simple experiment helps kids understand how heat affects different materials and gives them a fun way to explore the science behind everyday things.
More Science Experiments
Check out these great science activities to do with the kids. Keep it simple and let them be a part of the creativity. They’ll love knowing that they’re actively helping build these experiments and you’ll love knowing that they’re being creative and learning at the same time. It’s a win-win situation for all!
- Fun Fizzy Apple Volcano Experiment
- Magic Milk Science Experiment
- Dancing Worms Experiment
- Peeps Science Experiments
- Magic Toothpick Star Experiment
- Winter Magic Milk Experiment
- Simple Magic Skittles Experiment
- Science Experiments with Water by Affordable Homeschooling
If you love this activity, you must try and check out these Summer STEM Activities.
Want more STEM activities for your child? Try Catapult STEM Activity with Popsicle Sticks.
Easy Peppermint Science Experiment
This simple science activity allows kids to apply and develop their science skills. Fun and meaningful way to introduce science to your kids!
Materials
- a white ceramic plate (or any white plate)
- 5-6 hard colorful peppermint candies
- warm water
Instructions
- Unwrap the peppermint candies and put them on the plate. Leave about an inch between the candies, so you can see the individual reactions.
- Make a prediction about what will happen when you add warm water.
- Slowly pour warm water into the center of the plate. Just enough to cover the bottom of the candies. Don't submerge the candies tho! You don't want them to float!
- Watch the colors from the candies move around the plate.
- Repeat with a different color, size, or shape. You can also vary the temperature or depth of the water. Did you get the same effect if very cold water was used?
- (Optional): use a timer to observe differences between candies, water temperature, or water depth.
- Record your observations on paper. Was your prediction right?
Recommended Products
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Now you’ve got something to do with all those leftover Christmas candies! Turn them into science. Just when the kids thought that only candy could be eaten, this activity proved them wrong!
When you can show the kids that there are fun ways to use science in ways that they maybe haven’t thought of, that’s when the fun really begins!