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STEM Experiments: Dissolving Marshmallows

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We love at-home STEM experiments and this dissolving marshmallows one is perfect for rainy days!

Dissolving Marshmallows STEM Experiment for Kids

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Why Do STEM Experiments?

STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) experiments are great learning experiences for kids because they ask them to create hypotheses about the world around them and then test those out.

While some STEM experiments are complicated and require a lot of preparation, we’re all for quick on-the-fly activities that use things we have around the house.

Take our color changing celery experiment for example.

This dissolving marshmallows experiment was born from a box of Lucky Charms cereal and a bunch of marshmallowy inspiration.

How to Do the Dissolving Marshmallows STEM Experiment

The purpose of the dissolving marshmallows experiment is to see which liquid dissolves marshmallows the quickest.

You will need the following supplies:

  • 4 marshmallows (we used marshmallows from a cereal we had on hand)
  • 4 clear cups
  • 4 different liquids (we used vinegar, cold water, hot water, and milk)
  • a spoon
  • timer
  • paper towels
  • the tracking sheet (it’s in the freebies library and you can sign up for access below)

Here’s how to do the dissolving marshmallows experiment:

  1. Place one marshmallow in each of the four cups.
  2. Pour 1/2 cup of liquid in each cup. One liquid per cup.
  3. Write down the liquids on the left-hand column of the tracking sheet. Record what you think will happen in the middle column.
  4. After 5 minutes gently scoop each marshmallow up, one at a time, and examine it, place it back in the cup and jot down what is happening to it in the far-right column of your tracking sheet. Be sure to wipe the spoon off after each liquid so that it doesn’t contaminate the next cup.
  5. Continue watching each marshmallow.
  6. After 10 minutes examine each marshmallow again and write down your observations.
  7. Repeat at the 15-minute mark.
  8. Record your final observations on the tracking sheet and circle the row that had the quickest dissolving marshmallows.
STEM Experiments for Kids - Dissolving Marshmallows Science Experiment from MamaTeaches.com

If you keep a science journal, have kids record their conclusions there and staple or tape their recording sheet inside.

Have fun learning!

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