Wow the kids while exploring science with the Skittles rainbow experiment!
This experiment is really easy to set up! All you need is a bag of Skittles, a plate, and a few willing participants. If your kids are anything like mine they will be eager to jump in and see if they can make a Skittles rainbow!
Skittles Rainbow Experiment
Materials
- Skittles
- Hot water
- A shallow dish
Method
- Begin by placing Skittles in general, rainbow order along the inner perimeter of a shallow plate.
- Each time we do this experiment we place the candies a little differently. The exact placement does not matter. Just be sure that the candy colors are rotated.
- Once the Skittles are in place it is time to add the water!
- Have the kids carefully pour very warm water directly into the middle of the plate.
- Have them pour just enough water so that the Skittles are in the water but not fully submerged.
- Then, step back & observe.
- Kids will immediately notice the outer shell of the candies beginning to dissolve, creating a mesmerizing rainbow effect.
- The rainbow will quickly expand as the skittles are exposed to the water.
- My kids were in awe over this simple bit of science and marveled as the colors danced & swirled into beautiful explosions of color!
Extend the Fun
- Try this experiment using different flavors of Skittles.
- Make different patterns on the plate before adding water.
- Try this experiment using varying temperatures of water. Then, compare the results.
- Try using other liquids besides water. Does it work?
The Science
Why don't the varying colors mix in the water?
- Each skittle coating holds a different sugar density.
- Due to the varying densities of the candy coatings the colors do not mix in the water.
- Learn more about liquid densities.
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