Simple Magic Skittles Experiment You Have to Try
The kids are going to love this Simple Magic Skittles Experiment. It’s the perfect way to combine a bit of tasty learning fun! It’s also a great way to use up some of those skittles in the house after Halloween or other candy-heavy holidays.
Those magical rainbow candies do more than just taste good. They make great science experiments too! Every child tends to like candy, and bright colors, so this trick is a perfect combination of both. It appeals to both the artistic and scientifically minded kid. So read on for this simple magic Skittles experiment you have to try with your kids.
The great part about this science activity for kids is that it’s really fast and simple to do. The kids can easily get this set up and ready to go in just a few short minutes of time.
I know you want more so check out this list of Simple Homeschool Science Experiments for kids to try.
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Simple Skittles Experiment
If you’re wanting your kids to cut down on eating sugar, why not have them be creative with it as well? This will take their minds off wanting to eat it and have them focusing on using it as a science learning tool instead.
Make certain to check out our Edible Kitchen Science Experiments for even more science fun for the kids!
How to make this Simple Skittles STEM activity
First gather your supplies. You’ll obviously need a package of Skittles ( we used the green, yellow and orange ones for this experiment). You can also try this with other candies that have food coloring. M&Ms or gummy candies work well.
Just keep in mind that there is a good chance that it might get a bit messy because the kids are going to love feeling it and touching the candies during this time.
If you love this activity, have a look at our bigger list of fun Summer STEM Activities.
Recommended Science Experiment Books
Of course, you’ll also want to grab your favorite science books to extend the learning. After this magical experiment, we bet your kids will want more! So check out our favorite science experiment books that you can do right in your own home, no special equipment necessary.
You can easily find books that are full of other great science activities and options for the kids to do as well. Every page in a science book is full of fun ideas so let them flip through the pages and find ideas. They’ll love being able to use these learning books as ways to think up even more fun learning activities.
I tend to always have a ton of books around the house so this is a perfect way for them to pick up a book and read!
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Science Supplies
As we said above, the materials list for this experiment are super simple. Just three easy supplies are what you need to get started with this simple science activity.
You’ll need:
- water (warm water will help the experiment work faster)
- one large, round, white dinner plate (white makes the colors show up better!)
- 1 package of colorful candy — like Skittles!
Directions
Ok, so now comes the fun part. First open up your candy package, and check out all the colors. While we used orange, yellow and green for this experiment, you can use whichever and as many colors as you like.
We recommend doing only a few to start, but because this experiment is so cool, we know your kids will want to do it again and again.
Next, line up the skittles around the dinner plate to form a circle. You’ll want to leave room for the colors to show, but also so the candy pieces can be under the water.
You’ll get the best results if you use a pattern.
Once the Skittles or candy pieces are arranged to your satisfaction, slowly pour water into the centre of the plate. Don’t pour too hard, or your Skittles will move out of line, but they also need to be completely covered by the water for this to work.
Remember, use warm water for best results.
Now, watch carefully. The water should start to dissolve the candy coating on the Skittles. And the colors will start to fade off the pieces towards the centre of the plate! When they meet in the middle, you’ll get a pretty cool looking rainbow.
This super simple magic Skittles experiment you have to try is just so cool! It’s so easy you can do it over and over again. Try different candies, liquids, temperatures and patterns. What does oil, heated milk or cold water do to the candies? What about trying a square, or making a design?
Don’t forget to take a picture to record your results. It’s the best of art and science together.
If you love this activity, you must try this Catapult STEM Activity with Popsicle Sticks.
Recommended Science Activity Kits
Try these amazing activities that kids will surely love. Both are great products from Etsy.
Make pretend potions with this Stardust Rainbow Potion Kit. Your little one will enjoy mixing and stirring this potion.
Watch some crystals grow using this Crystal Growing Kit. Perfect experiment for science lovers.
For more Skittles fun, try these Free Printable Skittles Game for kids.
Fun Ways to Use This STEM Activity
So the really cool thing about this activity is that you can easily change it up. I love buying different colors of skittles and letting the kids really have a lot of fun with it. The more that they mix and match, the more that they want to learn!
You can then talk to them about the experiment and see what their thoughts are. This is a great way to open up the lines of communication and have them asking questions or giving their thoughts about science.
Simple Magic Skittles Experiment You Have to Try
Materials
- water (warm water will help the experiment work faster)
- one large, round, white dinner plate (white makes the colors show up better!)
- 1 package of colorful candy — like Skittles!
Instructions
- First open up your candy package, and check out all the colors. While we used orange, yellow, and green for this experiment, you can use whichever and as many colors as you like.
- Next, line up the skittles around the dinner plate to form a circle. You’ll want to leave room for the colors to show, but also so the candy pieces can be under the water.
- Once the Skittles or candy pieces are arranged to your satisfaction, slowly pour water into the center of the plate. Don’t pour too hard, or your Skittles will move out of line, but they also need to be completely covered by the water for this to work.
- Now, watch carefully. The water should start to dissolve the candy coating on the Skittles. And the colors will start to fade off the pieces towards the center of the plate! When they meet in the middle, you’ll get a pretty cool-looking rainbow.
Recommended Products
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More Science Experiments
Want more simple science? Check out some of our other science experiments below! You can never have too many experiments geared up and ready for the kids. The great thing about doing these types of activities is that you really don’t need a ton of supplies, either! Check out the great options below to find out more!
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Are you in need of awesome science activities for St. Patrick’s Day? You’re in luck! Check out this list of St. Patrick’s Science Experiments and try them with your kids.
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