Dissolving Candy Heart Experiment

Science experiments for Valentine’s Day should most definitely include conversation candy hearts! Why not explore candy science this Valentine’s Day with a dissolving candy heart experiment to explore solubility. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for candy science experiments!

What Is Solubility?

Solubility is how well something dissolves in a solvent. The substance you try to dissolve may be a solid, liquid, or gas, and the solvent may also be a solid, liquid, or gas.

So, testing solubility is not limited to testing a solid in a liquid solvent! Here, we are testing how well a solid (candy heart) dissolves in a liquid. Read more about the science behind this experiment below.

This experiment can be set up differently for kids at home and in the classroom. Plus, see how we set up the “What solids dissolve in water experiment” here.

Dissolving Candy Heart Experiment

We have many fun ways to explore chemistry this Valentine’s Day! You can keep the science simple but the fun complex!

TIP: Have your kiddos develop a hypothesis before starting the experiment. Ask some questions! Get them thinking about why or why not their hypothesis will work. The scientific method is an awesome tool to apply to any science experiment and encourages more abstract thinking for older kiddos.

Supplies:

• Free science journal pages (see below)
• Test tubes and rack (Alternatively, you use clear cups or jars)
• Conversation Candy Hearts
• Variety of Liquids (Suggestions: cooking oil, vinegar, water, milk, juice, rubbing alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide)
• Timer
• Stirrers (optional)

Dissolving Candy Instructions

STEP 1. Add an equal amount of the chosen liquids to each test tube or cup! Have the kids help with measuring, too!

This is a great time to discuss what they think will happen to each candy heart in each liquid, make predictions, and write or discuss a hypothesis. Learn more about using the scientific method with kids.

STEP 2. Add a candy heart to each liquid.

STEP 3. Grab a timer and wait, watch, and observe changes in the candy hearts.

💡 Check back at regular intervals or set a specific end time for the experiment. Can you pinpoint using the timer which liquid will dissolve the candy heart the fastest?

You can also make candy heart oobleck to check out solubility playfully!

The Science Behind the Dissolving Hearts Experiment

This hands-on activity is a fantastic way to explore solubility and how different liquids interact with solids. Let’s break it down step by step and dive into the science behind it!

• Solubility: Why some substances dissolve in certain liquids but not others.
• Molecular Structures: Understanding how polar and non-polar molecules interact.
• Observation Skills: Watching and comparing how different liquids affect the candy hearts.

The Science Behind It:

Candy Heart in Oil:

• The candy heart stays intact in the oil, which doesn’t dissolve it.
• Why? Oil is a non-polar substance that doesn’t mix with polar substances like sugar. Unlike water molecules, oil molecules do not attract the sugary solid, so the candy says, “No way!” to dissolving.

Candy Heart in Water:

• Water is known as the universal solvent because it can dissolve many substances, including sugar.
• In this case, water molecules break down the sugar in the candy heart, causing it to dissolve.

Candy Heart in Hydrogen Peroxide:

• The candy heart floats to the surface in hydrogen peroxide because it is denser than water.
• While hydrogen peroxide dissolves the candy, the process may occur at a slightly different rate due to its unique chemical properties.

Candy Heart in Vinegar:

• Vinegar, an acidic liquid, contains water, which helps dissolve the candy heart.
• The acidity may also influence the speed of the dissolving process, making it slightly different from water.

Candy Heart in Almond Milk:

• Almond milk contains water but has other components like fats and proteins.
• These can slow the dissolving process, making it take longer for the candy to break down than plain water or vinegar.

How Teachers and Parents Can Use This Experiment

This experiment is perfect for grades K-5, with opportunities to adapt it for various learning levels:

• For Younger Kids: Focus on observation—ask questions like, “What do you notice about the candy in each liquid?”
• For Older Kids: Dive deeper into concepts like polarity, density, and the universal solvent properties of water.

Experiment Variations:

Simple Water Dissolve:

• Setup: Use just water.
• Ask: Will water dissolve the candy hearts?
• Observe: Watch the process and learn why sugar dissolves in water.
• Why It Works: This is a perfect introduction to the science of solubility for younger kids!

Test Water Temperatures:

• Setup: Use water at different temperatures (hot, cold, and room temperature).
• Ask: Does hot or cold water dissolve the candy heart faster?
• Observe: Compare results to explore how temperature affects the rate of dissolving.
• Why It Works: This variation introduces kids to concepts like heat transfer and how energy affects chemical reactions.

Compare Different Liquids:

• Setup: Test various liquids, such as water, vinegar, oil, and rubbing alcohol.
• Ask: Which liquid dissolves candy hearts the fastest?
• Observe: Make predictions and compare results to learn about the properties of different substances.
• Why It Works: This variation encourages critical thinking and introduces kids to the concept of polar vs. non-polar substances and how they interact.

More Fun Valentine’s Day Science Experiments

You can find all our Valentine’s Day science experiments here, including…

• Heart Lava Lamp
• Valentine Magic Milk
• Valentine Skittles Experiment
• Grow Crystal Hearts
• Water Displacement Experiment

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