Rainbow Candy

Blurb: Participants will use skittles and water to dissolve the skittles and create a rainbow
within the water. Participants should use the scientific method to explore changes to the
skittles and water. Discussion will focus on STEM principles, such as Scientific Process,
chemical/physical reactions, hetero/homogeneous mixtures and liquids vs.
solids. Discussion will also focus on diversity, patience, flexibility and irreversible changes.

Topics/Skills: STEM, diversity, patience, adaptability, changes

STEM Principles:

Scientific method - OPTIC

Observe, Predict, Test, Interpret, Communicate
Chemical reactions - a process that involves rearrangement of the molecular
structure of a substance. A chemical reaction occurs giving off energy. (ex. sodium
and chloride = salt)
Physical reactions - a process that involves the physical characteristics of a
substance to change. (ex. water to ice)
Heterogeneous mixture - a mixture that is composed of different components that
stay separated and have different properties. (ex. trail mix)
Homogeneous mixture - a mixture that has a uniform appearance and composition
throughout its entirety. (ex. kool-aid or lemonade)
Liquid - a fluid that conforms to the shape of its container, but keeps it volume when
under pressure. A fundamental state of matter.
Solid - a substance that has structural rigidity and keeps it shape and volume
regardless changes. A fundamental state of matter.

Purpose: For participants to understand the process of the scientific method and
differences between states of matter and the changes substances may go through.

Objective: To have participants explore changes using the scientific method and apply
those concepts to changes faced in life.

Goals:

To use STEM principles to explore changes that occur to different pieces of candy in
water.
To work together to complete the task of creating a rainbow.

Time: 20-25 minutes

Supplies:

Candy pieces (Skittles, M&Ms)

Bowl
Water
Optional - coffee filters, wax paper plates

Activity:

1. Break students into groups.

2. Provide students with candy, a bowl and water.
3. Before you begin, have the youth predict what will happen to the skittles in the
water.
4. Have the groups explore how the candy dissolves in water.
5. Have teams share their results.

Closing: Large group discussion

Reflection Topics Could Include:

How the scientific method helps in the planning and preparation processes.
The changes substances undertake.
Physical and chemical structures (you can relate this by asking the kids to identify
what things make up who they are and how those structures change when they are
exposed to different environments)
Changes that occur in life/school/community/family