Skittles experiment
Hamish loves science experiments and we try todo at keast one a week in our homeschool classroom.
One of my personal favourites is the skittles science experiments, mostly because this is great to introduce to even the youngest of students. The results are instantaneous and are always received well.
For the Skittles experiment, we used :
* 1 packet of Skittles
* 1/4 cup warm water
* White plate
Method
1. Arrange the Skittles in a single row around the edge of the plate. For smaller kids add a small pattern in the centre to assist the colour to run faster.
You can place the Skittles in other shapes as well, either in a pattern, rainbow, same colours together or experiment with placing different colours next to each other.
2. Gently pour the warm water into the centere of the plate, allow the water to spread, and cover the surface of the plate until it reaches the Skittles.
For smaller kids pour around the outside of the skittles as they will have more control pouring the water and For different shapes, pour outside the top of the pattern.
3. Watch and wait as a rainbow appears and moves towards the create of the plate.
Why does this happen:-
The coating of the Skittles are made from sugar and food colouring. The coating dissolves and diffuses through the water.
The colours meet in the middle and do not mix (until they are disturbed) due to the dissolving sugar pushing outwards into the rest of the solution, sending the coloured water outwards.
Have you tried this experiment with your kids?