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candy

Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

November 15, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

It is the perfect season for a peppermint science experiment. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study.

Besides peppermints are plentiful in the stores and can be found in canes, discs, and even spoon shapes.

This dissolving candy cane experiment is a simple and fun way to demonstrate the process of dissolution.

Dissolution is the process by which a solid substance dissolves into a liquid.

Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

Dissolution is an important process in nature and is responsible for a variety of phenomena, such as the formation of caves and the weathering of rocks.

In this experiment, you will observe how a candy cane dissolves in different liquids over time, record your hypothesis, variables, process, and results in your science notebook.

You can use any shape and size of peppermint candies that you like for your experiment.

But you will want to keep them uniform throughout so that your results are more accurate.

For today’s purpose we used a fun candy cane shape.

Too, I am not just going to show you a single activity and move on.

I have lots of fantastic peppermint science experiment ideas for you as well as some crafts, facts, and videos to make it a fun little unit for you and your child.

5 PEPPERMINT FACTS

  1. Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint and the scientific name for it is Mentha × piperita.
  2. Peppermint grows to a height of 1-3 feet and is native to Europe and Asia but has become cultivated in many parts of the world including North America.
  3. In early history peppermint was mentioned throughout Greek mythology, by Roman philosophers, and Monks in the Middle Ages.
  4. Peppermint is used in a variety of products, including candy, gum, toothpaste, tea, and is also used in traditional and holistic medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as indigestion, nausea, and headaches.
  5. Handmade striped red and white candy canes were first introduced in 1900 while the first machine to make candy canes was invented in 1921 by Brasher O.

PEPPERMINT SCIENCE EXPERIMENT AND ACTIVITIES

  • Candy Canes: How it’s Made shows the process from the first ingredient to the packaging of candy canes.
  • Test out your child’s STEM skills with a Building Peppermint Candy Towers Challenge that encourages critical thinking and problem solving.
  • Prewriting skills are so important and preschoolers love sensory activities, a Peppermint Writing Tray is the perfect fun way to practice letters, numbers, and shapes.
  • Build up the fine motor skills in small growing hands by making and playing with a Peppermint Playdough Recipe to roll, pinch, press, and form.
  • Whether you have tried crystal growing activities or not the Crystal Candy Canes You Can Make
  • The Fizzing Candy Canes Experiment is not only a great science experiment but makes a fun seasonal decoration.
  • For older kids I think these Peppermint Shower Steamers would be a fun and useful hands on science exploration. They can be made to keep or gift to friends and family.
  • While you have candy canes or peppermints on hand make up a batch of Crock Pot Peppermint Hot Chocolate to enjoy, cooking is science!
Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

Too, look at more candy science.

MORE FUN CANDY SCIENCE

  • Hands-on History: Make Maple Snow Candy – Pioneer Activity
  • Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments
  • How to Spark Learning with a Candy Cane Maze STEM Activity
  • 5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops
  • Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity Which Liquid Dissolves Candy Corn Faster
  • Fun Chocolate Unit Study and DIY Chocolate Candy Bar Activity

Finally, look at how to do this peppermint science experiment.

PEPPERMINT SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

The results of the experiment will show which liquid dissolves the candy cane completely the fastest. You can simplify the experiment by simply timing how long it takes for one candy cane to dissolve in water.

You will need:

  • Candy canes
  • Clear glasses
  • Water and at least 3 other liquids
  • Stopwatch or timer
  • Ruler
  • Science notebook
Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

First, have your child make a hypothesis on which liquid they think will melt the candy canes the fastest and record it in their science journal or on a sheet of paper for just this experiment.

Fill the glasses with water, and your other liquids.

Some ideas are milk, vinegar, hot water, cold water, room temperature water, rubbing alcohol, clear soda, oil, etc.

Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

List each of your liquids in the science journal as well.

Measure the length of the candy cane, record it.

Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

Place each of the  candy canes into different liquids. Make a label for each one so similar ones don’t get confused.

Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

Start the stopwatch or timer.

Observe the candy canes as they dissolve. You will notice almost immediately the red begins to dissolve and your liquid turns pink.

The hot water especially creates changes so quickly.

Every minute or two, measure the length of the candy canes and record your observations.

Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

Continue observing the candy canes until they are completely dissolved. Don’t forget to record your findings.

As the candy canes dissolves, you will observe the following changes:

Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment
  • The candy canes will become smaller in size.
  • The water will become colored.
  • The candy canes  will become softer and more pliable.
  • The candy canes will eventually disappear completely.

By varying the conditions of the experiment- using different brands of peppermint, different liquids, and various shapes you can learn more about the process of dissolution and the idea of variables in an experiment.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: candy, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, peppermint, science

How to Spark Learning with a Candy Cane Maze STEM Activity

December 17, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fantastic candy cane maze STEM activity. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study.

Besides, this is a great activity to do to celebrate December 26th as National Candy Cane Day.

Simple themed STEM activities like this are great for developing your child’s critical thinking skills.

Also, they develop innovation, creativity, curiosity, persistence, decision-making, problem-solving, leadership, entrepreneurship, and acceptance of failure.

It is so much fun to add a simple twist.

Incorporate a seasonal theme into STEM projects like this maze.

How to Spark Learning with a Candy Cane Maze STEM Activity

Did you know that candy canes have been around since 1672?

This candy cane maze requires planning and critical thinking to map it out as well as solve the ‘puzzle’.

Siblings can try to create a maze for each other to figure out.

Additionally, I have an exciting list of 10 more candy cane stem ideas.

It will be a minty fun day of learning.

So be sure to stock up on a lot of candy canes.

They come in various sizes this season and don’t forget to enjoy a few as well.

Candy canes have a long history.

And besides being a tasty winter treat they are used for decorations, and we can even find a wealth of ways to use them for learning, like these STEM activities.

Fun Books to Read in Wintertime

Next, add some of these fun books about winter.

13 Snow, Snowman, Animals, and Winter Books

Add one or more of these books to your learning day if you're learning about snow, snowflakes, winter or just for fun.

Winter Cottage

Immerse Yourself in This Story of Love and Companionship Amidst Deprivation

It is the fall of 1930, and America has plunged into the Great Depression. On a remote dirt road deep in the snowy woods of northern Wisconsin, misfortune forces the impoverished Sparkes family to take desperate measures.

A wayfaring quartet consisting of thirteen-year-old Araminta (nicknamed Minty), her recently unemployed father-a poetry-quoting widower called Pops-and her younger sister, Eglantine (known as Eggs-a dreamer like Pops), and their dog, Buster, are on their way to Minneapolis to live with the curmudgeonly Aunt Amy. When their car breaks down and they are unable to fix it, the homeless four stumble upon a vacant summer cottage by a lake. In desperate straits, they decide to settle in.

1. The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder

How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered inside this exploration of the science of snow, featuring photos of real snow crystals in all their beautiful diversity. Perfect for reading on winter days, this book by a nature photographer and a snow scientist will inspire wonder and curiosity about the marvels of snow. 

2. Sneezy the Snowman

B-R-R-R-R! AH-CHOO! Sneezy the Snowman is cold, cold, cold. To warm up, he drinks cocoa, sits in a hot tub, stands near a warm fire–and melts! But the children know just what to do to build him up again–and make him feel “just right”.

3. Snowmen at Night

Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you've wondered . . . what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all!

4. The Biggest Snowman Ever

When the mayor of Mouseville announces the town snowman contest, Clayton and Desmond claim that they will each make the biggest snowman ever. But building a huge snowman alone is hard! They work and work, but their snowmen just aren't big enough. Soon they have an idea. As the day of the contest approaches, Clayton and Desmond join forces to build the biggest snowman ever.

5. Over and Under the Snow

Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow lies a secret world of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals making their winter home under the snow. This beloved nonfiction picture book exploring the subnivean zone reveals the tunnels and caves formed beneath the snow but over the ground, where many kinds of animals live through the winter, safe and warm, awake and busy, but hidden beneath the snow.

A Hat for Minerva Louise

"Stoeke's second book about that intrepid screwball, Minerva Louise, is a rare find."—The Horn Book, starred review. The other chickens hate snowy mornings. But not Minerva Louise! To her a snowy day—like everything else—is an adventure. But this chilly, chipper hen needs something to keep her warm. What she finds—and how she finds it—will keep young readers cackling.

6. How to Catch a Snowman

Our heroes' entry for the snowman contest has magically come to life―and ran away! Can YOU help catch it? Get ready for snow much fun as you travel through a winter wonderland with running, skating, and bouncing through trap after trap to catch the snowman and claim the winning prize. Will the snowman teach our heroes a lesson they'll never forget?

The Big Snow

When the geese begin to fly south, the leaves flutter down from the trees and the cold winds begin to blow from the north, the animals of the woods and meadows, big and small, prepare for the long, cold winter ahead when the countryside is hidden under a deep blanket of snow. They gather food and look for warm, snug places in the ground, trees, caves or thickets, where they can find protection against the icy winds.It might have been hard for the birds and animals of the hillside to survive when the Big Snow came if their good friends, who lived in the little stone house, had not remembered to put food out for them.Here, in many beautiful pictures, the Haders show how winter comes to the woodland as the busy animals make their preparations.

7. Curious About Snow (Smithsonian)

The Smithsonian does things right and this Curious About Snow book is a
great introduction for curious kiddos with real images and simple explanations.

8. Animals in Winter

This is a clear and appealing book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. Introduce kids to basic science ideas as part of discussions about the seasons and animals.

9. Arctic Figurines, Including A Harp Seal, Husky, Caribou, Arctic Rabbit, Killer Whale, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Igloo, And Polar Bear

SET OF 10 FUN AND FRIGID FIGURES – It’s hard to stay warm at the North Pole, but you can discover its wonders in your home with these frigid friends. This TOOB includes a Harp Seal, Husky, Caribou, Arctic Rabbit, Killer Whale, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Igloo, and Polar Bear.

10. Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Next, look at these other candy cane stem activities.

10 Candy Cane STEM Activities

Try one or more of these very hands-on activities from math to engineering and even cooking to develop important STEM skills for the future with a lot of fun for now.

  1. Try growing Crystal Candy Canes to learn about chemical changes that take place in supersaturated liquids.
  2. Here you can try out Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments, dissolving and melting candy canes.
  3. For older kids Learn How to Make Candy Canes, cooking incorporates both science and math so it fits nicely into the activities.
  4. Learn about building sturdy structures with the STEM: Candy Cane STEM Building Challenge and test out those engineering skills.
  5. Do different colors of candy canes dissolve faster than others? Find out with this simple Colored Candy Canes Science Experiment.
  6. Does your child like or want to learn about coding? This Candy Cane Coding for Kids is a great way to get started and make a fun craft in the process.
  7. Experiment with Dancing Candy Canes to learn about chemical reactions, baking soda and vinegar are must-haves in your science supplies.
  8. How much weight can you hold on a candy cane bridge? The steps are here in the Candy Cane Bridge STEM Challenge.
  9. Since math is a very important part of the stem, here is a Candy Cane math counting activity perfect for preschoolers.
  10. I also found these free printables for 3 different candy cane math ideas-counting, pattern grids, and a counting grid.
How to Spark Learning with a Candy Cane Maze STEM Activity

Finally, look at how to make this candy cane STEM activity.

Candy Cane Maze STEM Activity

Your child’s maze doesn’t have to be complicated, challenge them based on their age and ability.

They are learning critical skills for life even if they don’t go into a STEM field it is used in many real-life situations.

If you would rather use fake candy canes so you can create a maze that can be used without attracting pests and put away for next year grab a set of these.

You will need:

  • Candy canes
  • Cardboard
  • Marbles
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
How to Spark Learning with a Candy Cane Maze STEM Activity

First, determine the outside measurements of your maze and cut out a piece of cardboard accordingly.

I made mine 12×12 and I wouldn’t recommend going any smaller because you want to make sure that there is enough room to work with but you can go larger.

To make it look a little nicer I covered the bottom with a sheet of 12×12 vinyl I got at Dollar Tree, but you can use contact paper, construction paper, or paint it if you want.

How to Spark Learning with a Candy Cane Maze STEM Activity

Cut 1” tall strips of cardboard to make the sides so that your marble stays inside.

How to Spark Learning with a Candy Cane Maze STEM Activity

Hot glue the strips all the way around the outside to create a wall.

How to Spark Learning with a Candy Cane Maze STEM Activity

Depending on the age and ability of your child help them lay out a maze with their candy canes, you can leave them whole as well as break some to remove the curve or shorten them. The more variety the better.

How to Spark Learning with a Candy Cane Maze STEM Activity

Have them trace the path with their finger to make sure there is at least 1 path through the maze before gluing.

To create a candy cane maze that is more challenging and therefore fun you will want to create some trickier wrong turns, traps, and dead ends.

How to Spark Learning with a Candy Cane Maze STEM Activity

Once the design is laid out pick them up one at a time and run a little hot glue along the back, then press them back into position.

How to Spark Learning with a Candy Cane Maze STEM Activity

Add sticker dots in red and green to mark the starting line and finish line, you could also use a permanent marker.

How to Spark Learning with a Candy Cane Maze STEM Activity

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: candy, candy cane, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolinginwinter, winter crafts, winter season

5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops

October 24, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some fun candy science experiments and candy unit study. Also, look at more Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

Also, I have everything you need below including my homemade lollipop recipe for you to try.

Candy is defined as “A confection made with sugar and often flavoring and filling.” by Merriam-Webster. 

That covers everything from chocolate to caramels, rock candy, peppermints, and everything in between.

5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops

Sticky, sweet, sour, crunchy, chewy, in stick form, chocolatey, syrupy candy.

Too, the science of candy can be very complex and fun to learn.

Very few people don’t love candy in one form or another and I happen to think it makes a great subject for a unique unit study.

Candy Science Experiments

First, look at some of these fun science ideas using candy.

5 Candy Experiments for Kids

Add some of these candy science experiments to your science day to add some fun.

Photo Credit: abcsofliteracy.com

Peppermint Science Experiment

Try this Peppermint Science Experiment! It is an easy and fun way to teach your children about how sugar dissolves when mixed with warm water.

Photo Credit: www.steampoweredfamily.com

Candy Science

Candy Science: What could be better than an interesting science lesson, with lots of hands-on learning? Then, at the end of all your studies, not only are you smarter but you also get a delicious, sweet candy treat?

Photo Credit: hessunacademy.com

Rock Candy Science Experiment: Step-by-Step How-To Guide

Are you on the lookout for exciting and educational activities to enjoy with your curious little ones? Are your kids looking for a fun indoor activity that couples the wonders of science with the joys of eating?

Photo Credit: homeschoolpreschool.net

Ocean-Themed Skittles Candy Science Experiment for Summer

Summer science at its finest! You don’t want to miss this ocean-themed Skittles candy science experiment. Your kids will beg to do it again and again.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

I have two fun candy cane hands-on winter experiments today. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page winter season unit study.

Candy canes are plentiful right now and did you know that they make for a tasty, easy, and inexpensive item for science experiments? 

Also, look at some of these facts about candy.

8 Candy Facts

  1. The average person in the United States eats roughly 24 pounds of candy per year.
  2. National Smarties Day is celebrated on October 2 each year.
  3. The first candy was created in ancient Egypt over 2,000 years ago. Honey and fruit were used to make a type of hard candy.
  4. The world’s oldest candy company, founded in 1847, is NECCO (New England Confectionery Company) and is still in business today under the umbrella of Spangler Candy Co.
  5. The two M’s in M&M stand for Mars and Murrie, Forrest Mars, and Bruce Murrie. They financed and developed the candy-coated goodness that is still popular today.
  6. There are 64 million Tootsie Rolls made each day.
  7. Saltwater taffy is not watery, salty, or even made with salt water. Rather it was so named after a flood hit the Atlantic City Boardwalk and a candy store owner said the only thing left was her “saltwater taffy” and it stuck as the name.
  8. In 1897 dentist William Morrison invented cotton candy along with confectioner John C. Wharton. It was originally called “Fairy Floss” and did not get its current name until the 1920s.
5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops

I was inspired to create a fun Candy Science Unit study by Julia Rothman’s Food Anatomy.

Books About Candy

Her series not only has beautiful illustrations but is filled with fun facts, recipes, and inspiration. 

It has a nice spread on how candy is made, the different states of sugar, and some classic candy illustrations and info.

There is also a great two-page spread on chocolate as well.

5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops

Every good unit study starts with books, in my opinion, not textbooks but good living books like Food Anatomy I listed above, but also fun chapter books for read-aloud or independent reading.

In this case, even candy cookbooks are a great learning tool to use for science and math and sharpening those following directions skills.

  • Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
  • The Candy Shop War
  • The Candymakers
  • Who Was Milton Hershey
  • Candy Making For Beginners
  • Whatever Happened to Penny Candy

Candy Hands-on Activities

Don’t forget to keep it fun and very hands-on to keep them interested, learning, and trying new things. Choose a few of the activities below for your unit study.

  • Colorful and simple the Rainbow Skittles and Water Experiment teaches science themes such as developing a hypothesis, making predictions, and stratification.
  • Gumdrop Structures is a great STEM Activity teaching your child about engineering, planning, problem-solving, and more.
  • This tasty Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe also includes a neat science lesson on the chemistry of candy making.
  • Try the Pop Rock Science Experiment to learn more about the different states of matter in a fun and delicious way.
  • You are going to love Polymer Science: Homemade Fruit Gummies recipe and science experiment.
  • Not exactly hands-on but fun and engaging nonetheless watch a candy-themed video like Unwrapped Behind the scenes at 5 Top Candy Factories.
5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops

MORE CANDY SCIENCE

  • Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity Which Liquid Dissolves Candy Corn Faster

Finally, look how to make these homemade lollipops.

Candy Science Experiments How to Make Homemade Lollipops

I highly recommend that for your first try, you make all your lollipops the same.

The candy mixture hardens fast, and you must work quickly once it reaches the hard crack stage to get it into the mold.

You will need:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup water
  • Lollipop mold
  • Lollipop sticks
  • Candy thermometer
  • ½ teaspoon of extract/ few drops of candy flavoring oil
  • Food coloring-optional
  • sprinkles-optional
5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops

First, spritz silicone mold lightly with nonstick cooking spray, use a paper towel to wipe out excess.

If using sprinkles add those now to your mold and place sticks in as well, you want to make sure that at least ¼” of the stick is inside the mold.

5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops

Place sugar, water, and corn syrup in a small saucepan and place over medium-high heat.

5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops

Stir until sugar dissolves.

5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops

Make a large bowl of ice water and set to the side, it needs to be large enough to fit your pan.

5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops

Insert the candy thermometer on the side of the pan.

Bring mixture to a boil, do not stir at this time.

5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops

When the candy thermometer indicates it has reached 310° f (hard crack stage) remove from heat and set the bottom of the pan in the ice bath to stop cooking for just 15-20 seconds.

 Be careful to not get water inside the candy mixture.

5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops

At this time quickly stir in flavorings and coloring if using any.

Immediately spoon the mixture into the lollipop mold, be sure that it covers the stick.

Allow to completely cool and harden before removing from the mold.

5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: candy, chemistry, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, physical science, science

Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity Which Liquid Dissolves Candy Corn Faster

October 18, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The candy corn stem activity I have for you below, whether you are a team candy corn lover or team hater still makes for a fun science experiment. Also, you’ll love my pages 5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops and Fall Season Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

When you are learning about fun fall topics like flint corn which was so important to the Native Americans look for fun hands-on activities.

This activity is a great introduction to science concepts like making hypotheses, observing, setting up variables, and recording data.

Giving even more value to what a history lesson would just be.

Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity Which Liquid Dissolves Candy Corn Faster

I will give you a little bit more detail about the science behind why certain liquids work so much faster at dissolving the sugar than others at the bottom of the post, after the activity instructions.

Indian Corn was one of one of three types of corn cultivated by Native Americans in the northern part of the US as a staple.

It is one of the oldest types of corn and comes in a variety of colors.

Ears can be single colors of white, red, blue, gold, yellow, or black, but most are beautiful mixes.

Candy corn comes in fun traditional colors of yellow, orange, and white representing the colors of the fall harvest.

It is a fun representation of a corn kernel and so appropriate to go along with this study.

5 Indian Corn Facts

First, look at these facts.

  1. “Indian corn” isn’t exclusive to the North American continent. Experts believe it also grew in China, India, and South America for centuries.
  2. The earliest Native Americans to cultivate corn were the Pueblo people of the American Southwest, later corn became a staple for many tribes like- Creek, Cherokee, and Iroquois.
  3. Indian corn can be ground to make flour (or cornmeal) or the whole kernel can be used for popcorn. 
  4. Corn is one of “’The Three Sisters” crops, which are planted together in a shared space. They are maize, beans, and squash and are planted because they benefit one another and Native Americans believe that they nurture each other like a real family when planted together.
  5. Flint corn has a very low water content, making it more resistant to freezing than other vegetables. As a matter of fact, it was the only crop in Vermont to survive the winter of 1816, known as “the year without a summer.”
Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity Which Liquid Dissolves Candy Corn Faster

Also, look at some of these books about corn.

6 Books About Corn and Resources for Multiple Ages

Books for kids who want to learn about corn.

Corn Is Maize: The Gift of the Indians

With simple prose and beautiful illustrations, award-winning author-illustrator Aliki tells the story of how Native American farmers thousands of years ago found and nourished a wild grass plant and made corn an important part of their lives. They learned the best ways to grow and store and use its fat yellow kernels. And then they shared this knowledge with the new settlers of America.

Corn

Find out everything about this versatile and important grain—its history as a crop, the four main types, and how we grow and use it to make everything from food to paper to medicine!

From Kernel to Corn (Start to Finish, Second Series)

How does a corn seed become corn on the cob? Follow each step in nature's cycle―from planting to picking and eating―in this fascinating book!

Glass Gem Cherokee Indian Corn, Flint Corn 100 Seeds

GROW. For the best results, it's essential to cover your seeds with about one inch of soil and tamp down firmly before watering lightly.You can plant your seeds in either rows or hills. If you are planting them in rows, plant one seed every 4 inches in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart.

Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life

Learn the difference between a farrow and a barrow, and what distinguishes a weanling from a yearling. Country and city mice alike will delight in Julia Rothman’s charming illustrated guide to the curious parts and pieces of rural living. Dissecting everything from the shapes of squash varieties to how a barn is constructed and what makes up a beehive to crop rotation patterns, Rothman gives a richly entertaining tour of the quirky details of country life. 

The Story of Corn: It Starts with a Seed

How does a seed become a yummy ear of corn? A farmer plants seeds. The seeds change into plants. Plants grow. Soon cobs grow on the plants. Learn about the life cycle of corn step by step.

Also, look at some of these hands-on activities.

Indian Corn Hands-on Activities 

  • I love how bubble wrap gives a nice corn texture to this Corn Craft – Preschool.
  • Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft
  • Paper bag crafts are a super inexpensive craft base and these Stuffed Paper Bag Indian Corn are just adorable.
  • Popcorn Science Mini Unit Study Which Brand Pops the Best.
  • Fun Corn Life Cycle Preschool Sensory Bin and Printable Lifecycle Foldout.
  • Gather up pinecones on your next nature walk and create a Pinecone Indian Corn Craft.
  • Have you ever thought to use a whole ear of corn as a rolling pin? Check out these Harvest Sensory Ideas.

In Farm Anatomy I was able to find a section on corn, aren’t these illustrations beautiful?

Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity Which Liquid Dissolves Candy Corn Faster

Finally, look at this fun candy corn stem activity.

Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity

While this activity is simple it gives your child a chance to exercise their science muscles by learning about some basic concepts through making guesses on the outcome (a hypothesis) as well as observing and recording their findings.

You will need:

  • Candy corn
  • Various liquids
  • clear glasses or bowls
  • Timer/stopwatch
  • pen/paper
Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity Which Liquid Dissolves Candy Corn Faster

First, decide what liquids you want to use for this activity, I recommend choosing 4-6 different types.

It can be warm or cold water, salt water, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, oil, and clear soda.

Place two or three candy corn in each container.

Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity Which Liquid Dissolves Candy Corn Faster

Add enough of each liquid to cover the candy corn completely.

Heat your water up in the microwave for 30 seconds or just use hot water from the tap.

Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity Which Liquid Dissolves Candy Corn Faster

Make a label for each liquid you use and place it in front of the proper containers so they don’t get mixed up.

Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity Which Liquid Dissolves Candy Corn Faster

Observe the candy corn and note what each one is doing, set a stopwatch timer and see how long it takes for the first liquid to dissolve or time each.

We noticed changes begin right away in the very warm/ hot water, it immediately.

Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity Which Liquid Dissolves Candy Corn Faster

The vinegar was just a little behind the warm water.

Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity Which Liquid Dissolves Candy Corn Faster

And the oil and the rubbing alcohol seemed to do nothing at all.

Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity Which Liquid Dissolves Candy Corn Faster

The very warm water was the clear winner.

 It took about 15 minutes to become almost completely dissolved.

Now the science behind this is that water and vinegar are both polar molecules, and so is sugar.

So, when you add those liquids to the sugary candy corn it pulls away at it breaking it down quickly.

The heat makes these molecules move around even faster.

Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity Which Liquid Dissolves Candy Corn Faster

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: candy, candy corn, elementary science, fall, fall crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, science

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