Want to be a candy scientist? Try these experiments to unwrap the secrets lurking inside sticky, sweet, and colorful treats. These are perfect for science fair projects, but be sure to get adult help when the experiment uses the microwave. Melted candy is hot!
Something strange happens when chocolate melts and hardens again — Chocolate Bloom. Discover what's in your chocolate bar as one of the ingredients reveals itself.
Sour stuff often contains acid. Test different sour candies to see if they pass the Acid Test.
You know there are artificial colors in your candy, but how do they make something brown or purple? Just like you do when you mix paints in art class. Try Color Separation to extract the different dyes in candy.
Here's another chance to explore the colors of candy. In this experiment, you'll dye water using different colored Skittles. Then, thanks to something called "density," you can create a liquid Density Rainbow!
Crunch, crunch, crunch. You're chewing the candy in your mouth, but did you know that you also might be breaking down its chemical bonds? Find out how Lifesaver Lights make sparks fly!
If you had to build a candy boat, would you choose a Hershey's Kiss or 3 Musketeers bar? Find out if they Sink or Float.
Some chewy candy contains oil. How can you find out? Melt a Starburst and do the Oil Test.
Some candies wear their initials. Think of Skittles and, of course, M&Ms. Those letters are made of edible ink. Try Floating Letters to see how to remove them from the candy.
Glue is sticky and so is candy, but what makes something sticky? Find out how sticky works and test various candies to see which one is the real Sticky Stuff.
© Loralee Leavitt. Used with permission.
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Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: January 2011
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.