Today, try the PEEPS marshmallow density science project! Easter STEM activities have never been so fun!
PEEPs are amazing little marshmallow candies that have so many uses beyond just being a sweet! Use this density experiment to bring your PEEPS into the classroom with these PEEPS STEM activities for kids.
The Peeps marshmallow density science experiment will keep any kid engaged in science and STEM learning in March and April, when interest in school starts to wane. If you want more fun Easter activities, try Easter STEAM activities, Easter play dough, and making a science Easter basket!
PEEPS DENSITY SCIENCE EXPERIMENT
Read on to learn how to make your own Peeps density tower!
Don’t Miss: The Ultimate List of STEM Activities for Kids
WHAT ARE PEEPS STEM ACTIVITIES?
Peeps STEM activities simply use marshmallow Peeps as a tool for learning. The Peeps STEM activities use Peeps as the tool for answering science questions. A lot of kids love the look of Peeps, but don’t like eating them, so using them in the STEM classroom for Peeps science experiments is a fun way to use Peeps in an educational way. Even kids who are reluctant to learn science and STEM will have fun learning with candy!
This fun Peeps density experiment will have kids begging to learn with other Easter items as well!
Check out: Peeps STEAM Activities
Why Are Peeps Science Experiments Important?
You definitely don’t have to try seasonal STEM activities, but I always prefer bringing in a seasonal element when I can, particularly for kids in preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school.
It’s hard to capture a kid’s attention, and most holiday decorations and supplies are full of bright, cheerful colors that make the experiments seem a lot more fun. Kids who think they don’t like science or STEM may change their minds when they can use seasonal themes and topics to complete their activities.
You’ll also love: Easter STEAM Activities for Kids
What is Density?
The density of a substance is its mass per unit volume. Basically, density is the mathematical measurement of how much mass a substance has.
You can’t really understand density until you understand that the same volume of something can have different mass (or weights as most kids understand it).
A density tower is a fun way to illustrate this because you can see how the same amount of liquid arranges by density in a large jar.
What You Need for Density Experiments
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Keep these supplies on hand when completing Peeps STEM activities for Easter. Check each individual project for supplies before starting any new project.
Marshmallow Peeps Yellow Chicks, 4.5-Ounce, 15-Count Boxes (Pack of 6)Serve Clean Round Toothpicks, 5000 CountPlastic Easter Eggs (24 Pack) Hinged 6 Asst ColorsMagnifying Glasses | 4 1/4 Inch Magnifying Glasses | 24 Pack | Great for Party or As Bag fillersElmer’s Liquid School Glue, Washable, 1 Gallon, 1 Count – Great For Making Slime20 Mule Team Borax Laundry Booster 65oz (Pack of 4)Arm & Hammer Baking Soda-4LB (01170)
Make a Peeps Density Tower Experiment
The Peeps density science experiment is a fun activity that combines fun with science. It’s a win-win.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE PEEPS DENSITY SCIENCE EXPERIMENT
- Liquids with varying densities (we used water, Vegetable Oil, honey, Corn Syrup)
- PEEPs candies
- Clear jar (we used a mason jar)
What is the Density of a Marshmallow STEM Questions
All science experiments start with a question. Ask these STEM questions to turn this activity into a STEM activity!
Science: Are there any liquids less dense than Peeps?
Technology: How are Peeps made?
Engineering: Can you change the shape of the Peep to change its density?
Math: Can you determine how much of a Peeps volume is air? How much smaller is a Peep when the air is removed?
How to Do the Marshmallow Density Experiment
Start by layering your liquids. We knew that honey was the heaviest of our liquids, so we added it first and added the other liquids in order of their densities. We layered honey, corn syrup, water, and oil in our jar.
WHAT IS THE DENSITY OF A MARSHMALLOW?
Take a fork and slowly push your PEEP down into the bottom of your container. Let go. What happens?
If you want to go a little deeper, see if you can manipulate the PEEPs so that there is enough air removed from the PEEP to stay under the liquid. From what we read, squishing the PEEP into a ball or freezing it will make it denser and less likely to rise to the top of the jar. See what layer it stays at when you change the density of the PEEP!