I really love this simple Skittles rainbow experiment. It takes a few minutes to set up and all you need is a few items you probably already have in your classroom. The children were also very excited!
Plus, click the button below to get the Skittles Rainbow Experiment Worksheet to pair with your lesson.
The science behind the Skittles rainbow experiment
Skittles are made and coated with sugar. Adding hot water will quickly dissolve the coloring and coat. The food coloring and sugar will spread into the water, making your plate look like a rainbow. This experiment is great fun to do in the classroom or as an extension activity that students can try at home with their families.
Do you have a video of the Skittles Rainbow Experiment?
Check out this video and follow the steps below to try this experiment with your students.
Materials needed for the experiment:
Skittles Warm or room temperature water A plate or shallow bowl
Steps to create a Skittles Rainbow Experiment
1. First, prepare all supplies. Tip: If you are doing this with a whole group, you may want to set up multiple plates so students can see the results.
2. Next, have students help arrange the Skittles around the edge of the plate. In my classroom, I usually arrange them in some kind of pattern.
3. Next, give students time to predict what will happen.
4. Then pour water into the center of the bowl. Add enough to fit around the edges of the candy.
5. Finally, the results will be displayed after about 30 seconds. Sometimes I let the kids swirl the colors later with their fingers or toothpicks. They love this!
Get a free Skittles Experiment printable worksheet.
Want to try this experiment? Get the Skittles Rainbow Experiment worksheet bundle and combine it with your lessons. The bundle includes space to make predictions, record observations, and analyze results. Click the button below to receive your copy.
