Experiments in the Science of Creating Conversation Heart Candies
In a recent hands-on science exploration, a group of children embarked on an exciting journey to understand the behaviour of Conversation Hearts, a popular candy, under various conditions. The experiment, designed to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills, involved a range of everyday items and conditions.
The children began by making predictions about what would happen when each item was added to the Conversation Hearts or when the candy was subjected to different conditions. They wrote or drew each item and recorded their hypotheses.
One by one, each item was introduced to the candy. The children observed as water dissolved the Conversation Hearts, while microwaving them had no effect. Vinegar, initially causing some candies to bubble, eventually led to their dissolution. Interestingly, salt alone did not affect the candies, but salt water did.
The experiment took an unexpected turn when a reader reported that adding bleach to the Conversation Hearts caused the sugars to be pulled upward. However, this was not part of the children's experiment.
Other conditions tested included freezing the candies, which had no effect, and the use of honey, which did not react to the Conversation Hearts. A surprising finding was that adding blue water led to the decomposition of the sugar candies by breaking down their sugar molecules and causing them to dissolve.
Throughout the experiment, the children discussed why their predictions were correct or incorrect, looked for patterns in the results, and asked questions to deepen their understanding. The goal of the experiment was to observe the changes in the candy when each item was added or when the candy was subjected to different conditions, such as a freezer or microwave.
The supplies for this experiment are simple and easy to find. They include water, vinegar, honey or another sugary substance, salt, salt water, a microwave or freezer, and bleach. The experiment can be customised to include any item that the children want to test, making it a versatile and engaging learning activity.
Conversation heart science experiments like this one can help kids think like scientists, fostering a love for learning and problem-solving. By conducting their own experiments and making observations, children can develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them. So, gather your supplies and get ready to embark on a sweet scientific adventure!
