What Kids Learn From This STEAM Activity
In the STEAM activity, Skittles experiment, kids can learn about the concept of diffusion, colors, and water. When they place Skittles in a circle on a plate and add a little water, they observe that the colors from the candies start to spread outwards. This happens because the sugar coating on the Skittles dissolves in the water, and the colored dyes on the candies are released. Kids can see how the colors mix and create a beautiful pattern as they spread through the water. It’s a fun way for kids to explore how substances can move and mix in liquids, teaching them basic principles of science and chemistry while also offering a visually captivating experience.
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What We Need For This STEAM Activity
STEAM Activity, STEM Activity, Skittles Experiment Materials- Skittles candies (various colors)
- A white plate or a shallow dish
- Warm water
How to Do the STEAM Activity Skittles Experiment
- Set up the Plate: Place the white plate or shallow dish on a flat surface.
- Arrange Skittles: Arrange the Skittles in a circle along the edge of the plate, ensuring the colors are evenly distributed.
STEAM Activity, STEM Activity, Skittles Experiment – Place the Skittles in a Circle - Add Warm Water: Carefully pour warm water into the center of the plate until it just covers the candies.
- Observe and Wait: Watch as the colors on the Skittles begin to dissolve and spread into the water. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
STEAM Activity, STEM Activity, Skittles Experiment – Watch and Observe
STEAM Activity, STEM Activity, Skittles Experiment – Watch and Observe
STEAM Activity, STEM Activity, Skittles Experiment – Watch and Observe
STEAM Activity, STEM Activity, Skittles Experiment – Watch and Observe
Variations & Challenges
- Temperature Variation: Explore how temperature affects the rate of diffusion. Try using hot water and cold water separately and observe if there’s a difference in how quickly the colors spread.
- Color Mixing: Experiment with different combinations of Skittle colors. See what happens when you place complementary colors (e.g., red and green) next to each other and observe how they mix.
- Predictions: Before adding water, have kids make predictions about what they think will happen. This encourages critical thinking and hypothesis testing.
- Compare Candy Types: Compare the results of the Skittles experiment with other types of candies, such as M&M’s or jellybeans. Do different candies behave differently when placed in water?
- Artistic Creations: Encourage kids to use the colorful patterns created by the Skittles as inspiration for their own artwork or paintings.
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