Candy Chromatography

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Learners analyze candy-coated sweets using chromatography. Learners use this method to separate the various dyes used to make colored candy. Learners can try this activity with different types of candy or with candy of different colors and compare the results.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • At least two kinds of candy-coated sweets (like M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, Skittles) in the same color(brown works best)
  • Coffee filters cut into 1” x 3” strips
  • Toothpicks
  • Small glasses
  • Water
  • Pen

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Solutions
    • States of Matter
      • Liquids
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

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