Nothing piques kids’ curiosity quite like candy! In spring, I love using Easter candy for experiments and to teach science concepts. One of my favorite spring science activities is the Peeps dissolving experiment. In this post, I’ll share that experiment and more fun science experiments with Peeps.
Dissolving Peeps Experiment: Supplies
For the Peeps dissolving experiment, you need three items.
- A plate or bowl with a rim. It is best NOT to use paper, as water can make it soggy. I also recommend using white or a light color so that students can fully see what happens to the colors as the Peeps dissolve.
- Water. This Peeps experiment works best with warm or hot water. However, if you have time, I recommend repeating this experiment several times with different water temperatures so students can see the effects of temperature on the rate of dissolution.
- Peeps. I recommend having at least two different colors of Peeps available. Using more than one color will allow students to create patterns to determine whether certain colors dissolve faster than others.
Teacher Tip: For a bonus activity, have different liquids available, such as vinegar, milk, clear soda, or vegetable oil. Repeat the activity several times using different liquids to experiment with solubility. Students will discover that some liquids dissolve Peeps faster than others, while others don’t dissolve them at all.
Dissolving Peeps Experiment: Instructions
This Peep experiment is easy to perform. You can do it as a class demonstration or have students perform the experiment in groups.
To perform the Peeps dissolving experiment:
- Arrange the Peeps around the outside of the plate or bowl. I like alternating colors so that students can view and compare the effects of the different colors.
- Slowly, pour the water into the center of the dish. Do NOT pour the water directly on top of the Peeps. Pouring the water in the center will cause it to expand and touch the bottom of the Peeps slowly. Continue pouring until just the bottoms of the Peeps are covered with water. Using too much water can make it hard to see the effect.
- Observe what happens!
Teacher Tip: While this Peeps dissolving experiment is a fun spring activity for all upper elementary teachers, I highly recommend that all third-grade science teachers in Virginia use this experiment to review the science SOL related to what dissolves in water.
Dissolving Peeps Experiment: Conclusions
Students should observe whether the Peep is simply breaking apart (a physical change) or if something new is happening (a chemical change), and conclude that dissolving sugar is a physical change.
Students should also observe how long it takes the Peep to dissolve in different liquids, at different temperatures, under different conditions, etc. Then, students should draw conclusions about the best conditions for dissolving Peeps.
If using different types of liquids, you can also discuss factors such as acidity and pH. Liquids like vinegar or soda are acidic, and students can investigate how acidity affects the rate of dissolution.
More Science Experiments with Peeps
This Peeps dissolving experiment is just one fun experiment you can do with marshmallow Peeps. Check out this video I created to see this experiment in action and learn two more experiments with Peeps that you can do in your classroom.
Before spring break, I like to have an entire day of spring candy and Peeps experiments!
More Spring Candy Science Experiments
In spring, there are so many types of candies lining store shelves… marshmallow Peeps, chocolate eggs, gummy bears, and mini candy bars! It’s a dentist’s worst nightmare, but these candies are a dream for science teachers looking to increase student engagement.
My Easter Candy Science resource comes with three candy science experiments and one STEM challenge that uses candy. The science lessons cover topics such as matter, physical and chemical changes, and the scientific method. Each experiment/STEM challenge comes with a teacher lesson plan, student observation worksheets, and answer keys. These candy science experiments are the perfect way to keep students engaged and learning before spring break!
I hope you and your students enjoy experimenting with candy and dissolving Peeps before spring break!
