Children would love to do this rainbow colored experiment at science fairs. The idea is great for having fun with Science. Do a proper layout if you are preparing a board. Not much research is required for this. It can be done with kids as small as toddlers.
Skittles Science Fair Project
Problem
How do Skittles dissolve in water?
Hypothesis
On pouring warm water on the Skittle candies, a rainbow of colors will the formed on the plate holding them along the edge.
Materials
- Skittles
- Plate (preferably white)
- Warm water
Steps
- Arrange the Skittles of different colors in a circle around the edge of the plate.
- Pour enough warm water to cover the Skittles and the plate itself.
- Check how the dye of the Skittles runs into the water.
You can count the colors and record it for different bags of Skittles.
Observation
You will get a rainbow-like pattern on the plate as the colors move to the center forming a whirl of colors.
Explanation
Skittles are coated with sugar and food coloring. When warm water is poured over them, their colored coatings dissolve in the water, spreading the colors in the process. The sugar too dissolves and diffuses in the water. The moderately high temperature of the water helps in making the solution.
Also, initially the colors had different densities. Hence they did not quite mingle and formed the rainbow. Later, as they dissolve in the water, their densities become same and you can’t distinguish the individual colors.
Little older children like students of 3rd grade can investigate further by using other solvents like vinegar, lemon juice, alcohol, etc. You can also check which color dissolves at the fastest rate. Ensure that you don’t eat the candies before ending the experiment!
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