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Candy Corn Jar Science Experiments

Candy corns are a divisive topic during Halloween season. Some people love them. Others? Not so much. There's one thing we can all agree about regarding this pyramid-shaped, waxy-textured, multi-colored confection—they're perfect for science experiments!

All you need is a few materials and you're ready to make predictions, record observations, and share the results of this series of candy corn experiments inspired by Coffee Cups and Crayons!

Note from Early Childhood Educator Elyse Handel:

"Make predictions prior the experiments! Have the children talk about what they know about water, heat, etc. See if they can make guesses as to what might happen to the candy corn based on previously experiences using a microwave, water, and freezer." 

Materials

  • Bag of candy corn
  • 3 or more jars (or drinking glasses)
  • Water
  • Microwave
  • Freezer
  • Pot holder
  • Paper 
  • Writing utensil

Process

Will candy corns dissolve in water?

  1. Use your writing utensil and paper to record what you think will happen when candy corns are added to a jar of water. 
  2. Add water to your jar.
  3. Drop some candy corn into the jar.
  4. Record what you see.
  5. Repeat the experiment with different temperatures of water. Did anything change?

What happens to candy corns in the cold?

  1. Write (or draw) your prediction.
  2. Add five or six candy corns to an empty jar.
  3. Place in the freezer for 20 minutes.
  4. Remove the jar from the freezer.
  5. Record your observations. Is the color the same? Does it sound the same when you shake it? What else is different?
  6. Repeat the experiment and adjust the amount of time the candy corns are in the freezer. Did anything change?

What does heat do to candy corn?

  1. Write (or draw) your prediction.
  2. Add five or six candy corns to an empty jar.
  3. Heat in the microwave for 45 seconds.
  4. Be careful! The jar and its contents could be hot! Have a grown-up use a pot holder to remove the jar.
  5. Record your observations. What do the candy corns look like? How long did it take for it to change? Does it smell different?
  6. Repeat the experiment with different power level settings.

You can see all of our at-home activities on the blog or on Pinterest.