This is an easy experiment with only 3 materials! Try this for a quick and fun learning experience for Fourth of July.
Questions to ask your #younginventor before the experiment:
- What do you think will happen?
- Do you think colors will run together?
- Do you think a certain color will react differently than another?
Materials
- Skittles (Fourth of July specialty if you want to make it more Fourth of July themed!)
- Hot water
- Plat or container (preferably white in color)
Instructions:
- Place your plate or container on a stable surface
- Create a design of your choice with your skittles on the plate or container
- Some fun Fourth of July themed ideas include: The Flag, Fireworks, Stars, or Popsicles
- Add hot water and see what happens!
So what’s going on here?!? 🤔
This activity teaches your #younginventor about a chemistry concept known as concentration gradients. A concentration gradient is that chemicals move from areas of high concentration to areas of lower concentration in an attempt to equalize the concentration. As the skittles begin to dissolve into the water they send the colored sugar out in an attempt to equalize the concentration of sugar in the water.
‼️ This is also why your tongue turns colors when you eat them!
Why didn’t the colors mix? It’s because the amount of sugar that’s dissolved from each skittle is the same – so the concentration is already the same!
Did you know we have a club designed for children ages 4-12 so they can learn the importance of inventions from an early age? As a member of the club, you and your children will learn all about inventions while completing fun, easy STEAM activities. We hope to spark the creativity of every #younginventor!
