This colourful science experiment is as easy as 1-2-3 and will keep children amused for as long as you can spare more Skittles! This all ages activity will have you mesmerized by the whirl of colour! Not only is this activity fun but it is also educational and will provide you with a science lesson of how you can transform candy into a rainbow within seconds by the power of dissolving!
Supplies: -shallow plate (preferably white) -Warm water -skittles
Activity Steps:
Step one: Lucky for you this activity is not a messy one. Your workplace can be prepared by setting out a shallow and preferably white plate to lay the skittles on.
Ensure you are set up in an area where the plate will not be disturbed.
Any vibration or movement could affect your results.
Step two: Begin by placing Skittles in a rainbow order (red, orange, yellow, green, purple) or whichever colour pattern you would like in a circle along the inner perimeter of a shallow plate. A colour pattern could include any repeated decorative design.
Step three: Once the Skittles are in place it is time to add the water! carefully pour about 1/4 cup warm water directly into the middle of the plate. Water will depend on the depth of the plate.
Step four: Pour just enough water so that the Skittles are in the water but not fully submerged.
Step five:The rainbow will quickly expand as the skittles are exposed to the water.
Step six: Watch the rainbow magic!
Step seven: You will immediately notice the outer shell of the candies beginning to dissolve, creating a mesmerizing rainbow effect. This is because Skittles are coated in food colouring and sugar. When you pour water over the skittles the coloured coating dissolves spreading through the water. The colour and sugar dissolve into the water and then diffuse through the water, making it the colour of the skittle.