If you love candy canes, and you love candy cane science, then you’ll love this list of candy cane science experiments! Bring these candy cane lesson plans to life!
Because let’s face it, what else are you going to do with those thousands of candy canes that the kiddos come home with?
They are sticky, they are messy, and they always end up on the carpet, couch, or stuck to your child’s hair.
Much better for the candy canes to remain in science class.
And teachers, I suggest doing these candy cane science experiments in a classroom that has a hard floor, if you can manage.
And if you love these candy cane science experiments, don’t miss our complete list of Christmas STEM activities and Christmas science experiments.
Why Do Candy Cane Science Experiments?
Candy cane science is a fun way to bring seasonal themes into the classroom.
Children in elementary school and middle school sometimes have a difficult time embracing the world of science and scientific themes.
But if you add in an element of fun, like Christmas candy canes, then science becomes a lot more fun.
With hands-on activities, kids can see that science is enjoyable, which helps them get through the slightly more boring side of science.
If you like these Christmas science experiments, you may also like our Santa suit slime, bubbling Christmas lights, and kids’ Christmas hat challenge.
Our Favorite Candy Cane Chemistry Lab Supplies
We love to keep these supplies on hand for at-home science learning! These also work well in a classroom setting!
The Mason Jar Scientist: 30 Jarring STEAM-Based ProjectsBall Regular Mouth Mason Jars with Lids and Bands, 16-Ounces (4-Pack)
Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil, 32 Ounce
Barbasol Soothing Aloe Thick & Rich Shaving Cream 10 Oz (2 Pack)
Alka-Seltzer PFY BXAS50 80659297 Antacid and Pain Relief Medicine, Two-Pack (Pack of 50)
Kadaon 10X Handheld Magnifier Antique Mahogany Handle Magnifier Reading Magnifying Glass for Reading Book, Inspection, Coins, Insects, Rocks, Map, Crossword Puzzle
BORAX 20 Mule Team Laundry Booster, Powder, 4 Pounds
Fine Ground Celtic Sea Salt – (1) 16 Ounce Resealable Bag of Nutritious, Classic Sea Salt, Great for Cooking, Baking, Pickling, Finishing and More, Pantry-Friendly, Gluten-Free
McCormick Assorted Food Color, 1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Food Coloring – 12 Color Vibrant Cake Food Coloring Set for Baking, Decorating, Fondant and Cooking – Upgraded Liquid Concentrated Icing Food Color Dye for Slime Making, DIY Crafts – .25 fl. oz. Each
30% Pure Vinegar – Home&Garden (1 Gallon)
Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda, 5 lb
Argo Corn Starch 16 oz. Box (Pack of 4)
What Can Kids Learn with Candy Cane Science Experiments?
In these candy cane science projects kids will be introduced to some of the following themes:
- Chemistry
- States of matter
- Mixtures and solutions
- Chemical bonds
- Non-Newtonian fluids
- Ionic bonds
- Crystal formation
- Scientific method
- Scientific thinking
- Chemical reactions
- Types of strength
- Temperature
There are a lot more themes that kids can learn too! Many of these experiments will also work with NGSS science standards, so be sure to check out that link for a list of standards.
The Complete List of Candy Cane Science Projects
If you love candy canes, prepare to be delighted with this assortment of the easiest and cleverest candy cane science experiments in existence.
These candy cane challenges are perfect for elementary science class, and even for middle school science experiments to take a break from harder activities and just have a bit of fun in the STEM classroom!
Parents can also do these candy cane science experiments with their kids on winter break. We always like to add some candy cane chemistry to our winter holidays!
There are so many ways for kids to learn with a simple candy cane!
Start with a classic, the Candy Cane Slime!
These Salt Crystal Candy Canes can also be used as ornaments when they are done!
Learn about solutions, dissolving, evaporation, and other fun science themes with the Dissolving Candy Cane Science Experiment.
If you don’t have candy canes but do have peppermint flavoring, you can make the Peppermint Slime Science Experiment!
If you want to blow your kiddos’ minds, the bending candy cane challenge is tons of fun!
Curious what part of the candy cane is the strongest? Find out in this candy cane strength experiment!
Combine chemistry with candy canes in the fizzing candy cane challenge.
Find out what color of candy cane dissolves the fastest in this color dissolving experiment.
Watch candy canes dance in this candy cane dancing experiment.
Find out how temperature changes candy canes in this experiment.
And that wraps up the list of candy cane science experiments!
For even more Christmas STEAM fun, check out our Christmas slime recipes and the full list of Christmas STEM challenges.
Christmas STEM Activities by Grade
Christmas STEM Activities for Preschool
Christmas STEM Activities for Kindergarten
Christmas STEM Activities for 1st Grade
Christmas STEM Activities for 2nd Grade
Christmas STEM Activities for 3rd Grade
Christmas STEM Activities for 4th Grade