Kids love candy and kids love science, so why not combine these two faves into one afternoon of learning and laughter? From launching gumdrops in a catapult to making a fresh batch of your own, we’ve found easy, edible science experiments for kids. Read on to get your science project started.
1. Gumdrop Structural Challenge
Every list of gumdrop science should start with the classic structural engineering challenge using toothpicks and candy. We’re particularly fond of this one from The Homeschool Scientist because it helps you explain what the concepts (engineering, load distribution, physics, shape comparison) are to your kiddos while doing it. Visit The Homeschool Scientist to get going.
photo: Little Bins for Little Hands
2. Melting Gumdrop Science
When it comes to gumdrop science, Little Bins for Little Hands has more than one awesome idea to choose from. We love this melting gumdrop experiment because, well, you get to melt gumdrops! It’s a great way to use up leftover candy and it explores the concepts of heat and liquids and solids. You can use any shaped cookie cutter, too, depending on the season. Get the whole how-to over at Little Bins for Big Hands.
3. Build a Bug
Put this cute idea together with your mini entomologists using gumdrops, toothpicks and any other candy or food you have on hand to make the parts. Visit the Amateur Entomologist’s Society to get graphics on parts of the insect and talk about it with your kiddos as you craft gummy parts.
4. Make a Gumdrop Catapult
There is science and then there is SCIENCE! Sending candy hurling through the air because your parents said you are learning is pretty much the best scenario a kid can imagine (next to eating all of said candy). And thanks to Joy in the Works your kids can join in the science fun. You don’t need too many fancy things to make this science experiment happen, but make sure you have a camera on hand to capture their faces when you tell them what today’s kids science lesson is. Get the engineering how-to here.
5. Create a Structural Bridge
Another take on the structural challenge is gumdrop bridge building. With toothpicks and gumdrops, you’ll want to to balance your structure between two books, end tables or similar. What shape is strongest? How will your structure hold up? How much weight can it take? It’s an excellent next-level task to see if you can make it stay!
6. Make Your Own Gumdrops
Yes, candy making totally counts as science! The science part is watching something liquid turn into a (jelly-like) solid. The added joy is getting to eat the product. We’re super fond of this recipe from The Stay at Home Chef. Yum, science!
Do you have any gumdrop science experiments to share? Email us at Editor AT redtri DOT com.
—Amber Guetebier
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