Chemistry is the study of the stuff that makes up the world around us. The stuff that makes up everything is matter. Matter can react and interact in very interesting ways. For this mission you get to choose a few different types of candy to do experiments on. You will discover many interesting things about some of your favorite candies.
This mission can be really fun because you are exploring to see what happens in different situations. I would recommend that for each different test that you do, make a prediction of what you think will happen.
This mission can be really fun because you are exploring to see what happens in different situations. I would recommend that for each different test that you do, make a prediction of what you think will happen.
Things you Need to Get and Assemble
Science Buddies please help guide the activity, set up the experiment, and make sure to practice safe science.
Things to Do and Notice
Things to Record (Write and Draw)
Please remember to make a Mission Report to keep track of your experiments. Scientists keep a written and drawn record of what they do. Write down and draw what you did, what happened, and what you discovered.
Clean Up
Websites with More Information and More Experiments
Watch you red licorice and Gummy candies are made!
Science Buddies please help guide the activity, set up the experiment, and make sure to practice safe science.
- At least two different types of candy. You can use gummies, candy bars, Nerds, Pop Rocks, Skittles, M&M's, jawbreakers, candy canes, Sweet or sour candy, just choose at least two different types. I would definitely recommend something gummy. Jawbreakers and Skittles are great too! There are LOTS of different options. I would start with two, but you can do as many different things as you want. Just make sure to write a separate report for each thing you test. (You can earn LOTS of BrainPower Points this way!)
- Water
- clear plastic cups to experiment in
- baking soda (optional)
- vinegar (optional)
- A plastic fork and spoon are handy tools to use to add and remove the candies from different liquids.
- A plastic plate to place them on for examination. I would recommend a white plastic plate.
Things to Do and Notice
- See what happens to your candy when you put it in a liquid. I would recommend that you start with water. You can also try a mix of baking soda and water (add 1 tablespoon to a cup of water) and vinegar. DO they react in the same way or are they different?
- Keep track of it over time. Check on it every hour and then leave it overnight. What happens after 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 24 hours?
- Did the candy change in size? Did it get gooeier, chewier, softer, or harder?
- Does it float or sink? Does this change over time?
- Does anything happen to the liquid? Does it get colored? Does it start to bubble? Does is get jelly-like?
- Does it matter how much liquid you use with the candy? Is it different when it is just wet versus being put into deep water?
Things to Record (Write and Draw)
Please remember to make a Mission Report to keep track of your experiments. Scientists keep a written and drawn record of what they do. Write down and draw what you did, what happened, and what you discovered.
Clean Up
- Please DO NOT eat any of the candy that you did your tests on.
- DO NOT put any tested candies in your sink. You do not want them to get stuck. I would recommend that you put all used candies in the trash.
Websites with More Information and More Experiments
Watch you red licorice and Gummy candies are made!