This sweet and simple science experiment works for the little ones to older kids. This colorful activity is all about determining if the various peppermint colors will mix with each other or stay separated. Kids can create different designs, as well as explore how water temperature, color chemicals, and amount of liquids affect the results. To get started, you’ll need warm water, peppermint of 2 different colors, and a plate.
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To test the strength of a candy cane, you can use Christmas decorations of various weights. Hang each object onto the end of the candy cane, for the same amount of time. When kids are conducting experiments, it’s important to understand that certain factors should change (such as the type of object being used), and certain factors should remain the same (such as the length of time the object hangs from the candy cane).
As a science-lover, I say keep it all fun, but make sure the educational factors are on point!
“Growing a Candy Cane” is such an adorable activity for the little ones. When they’re small, they’re so curious, adventurous and excited about everything you do. Those very early ages are the perfect time to do some cute, magical activities while they still believe in magic. So to delight your little ones, you can use a flower pot and fill it with sugar or fake snow. To make the process more realistic, you can even use actual soil.
Bury some “candy cane seeds” into the pot, water it, give it sunlight, and spend a few days slowly uncovering the candy in a way to make it seem like the candy cane seeds sprouted an actual candy cane.
Brings a smile to my face just thinking of how excited this is for little ones. Though I didn’t do this activity when my kids were little, I still did a lot to add as much magic as I could, and I’m so grateful because those years fly by.
Go ahead and give it a try if you have small kids. And don’t worry about the mess. Pretty soon the technology will take the place of the mess, and you’ll miss the mess.
Along with the above activity, “Growing a Jeweled Rose” also offers a step-by-step process to make candy cane paint! Some materials that you’ll need include shaving cream, red food coloring, peppermint extract, and glitter.
I remember the sugar crystal experiment in 8th grade. Because they’re pretty, I really wanted my sugar crystals to grow, but mine didn’t turn out good at all. I always had a bit of trouble following directions and would try and add extra steps or eliminate portions of steps I didn’t think were needed. LOL! I also didn’t think the time requirements needed to be followed.
I was like this with all my science labs, even throughout college. Not good, lol. So even though I’m a science-lover, there’s just something about labs and experiments that always tripped me up.
“Little Bins for Little Hands” provides wonderful instructions and imagery for making candy cane crystals.
In this charming experiment, your little one will feel like they have superhero powers as they bend candy canes into unique shapes. You’ll first need to carefully heat the candy canes so that they become malleable. “Mombrite” offers safety tips and other information that will guide you on this Magic Bending journey.
When I first saw the image below I was like “How in the world did they bend candy canes?” I never even thought about the heating factor, so I couldn’t wait to click on the site and see how this was pulled off. The pretzel-shaped and circular candy canes definitely look magical!
In this top-of-the-class experiment, you’ll record the length of time it takes for candy canes to dissolve in various liquids. Solutions that you’ll be using include room temperature water, hot tap water, salt water, and vinegar.