Learning can be so much fun for kids and this Dissolving Candy Hearts Science Experiment for Valentine’s Day is a perfect example. This simple melting hearts science experiment uses classic Conversation Hearts candy to explore solubility. Kids of all ages will enjoy this candy science and Valentine’s Day STEM activity.
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Much like the Dancing Hearts Valentine’s Day Science Experiment I recently shared, this easy educational activity is great as a supplement to e-learning science or a Valentine’s Day homeschooling science lesson plan or when just want a fun Valentine’s Day chemistry activity to do with the kids. I’ve made this experiment super easy by including a free printable science experiment observation chart. You can download and print the chart from the tutorial below.
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If you are looking for more educational activities and printables for kids, be sure to check out the big list at the bottom of this page!
Conversation Hearts Science Experiment for Valentine’s Day
This Fun Valentine’s Fay Science Experiment is super simple do but is not lacking in fun and educational opportunities. By using a variety of liquids to dissolve your candy (the solid), children can learn a lot about solubility. You will only need a handful of supplies for this experiment and one or more people to enjoy it with.
Can I do this Valentine’s Day science experiment with other candy?
The candy hearts make this a terrific science experiment for Valentines Day. But, if you love the idea of this chemistry experiment and want to try other types of candy, you can definitely try it out. This activity can be done with all sorts of candy, it’s your choice to decide what you want to use.
Supplies Needed
- 6 cups of water
- ½ cup sugar, divided
- ½ cup salt, divided
- 6 candy hearts
- alternate liquids (list found below)
- timer
- small bowls (preferably glass) or chemistry set test tubes
- measuring cups and spoons
- printable observation chart
What Alternate liquids Can I Use?
For this Valentine’s Day Experiment, you will be using water to dissolve the hearts. If you want to try other liquids for this experiment whether you are curious or want to try something instead of water, there are other alternatives. You can use other liquids such as almond milk, vinegar, oil, rubbing alcohol, juice, and hydrogen peroxide.
How to Melt Conversation Hearts
Place 1 cup of water into three different cups. Into one cup, add ¼ cup sugar, stirring until it is dissolved. Into the second cup, add ¼ cup salt, stirring until dissolved.
Heat the remaining 3 cups of water until hot.
Place 1 cup of hot water into three different cups. Into one cup, add ¼ cup sugar, stirring until it is dissolved. Into the second cup, add ¼ cup salt, stirring until dissolved.
Place one candy heart into each cup of water. Set a timer for 2 minutes.
When the timer goes off, check the candy and make note of which have changed.
Continue checking the candy hearts every 2 to 5 minutes, making note of the changes.
Discuss which liquids caused the candy hearts to dissolve faster/slower and why. If desired, repeat the experiment using different room-temperature liquids such as vinegar, liquid dish soap, oil, soda pop, etc.
What is solubility?
Solubility is how well something is able to dissolve in a solvent. What you are trying to dissolve may be a solid, liquid, or a gas and the solvent could also be a solid, liquid, or a gas. For the purpose of this experiment, we are testing a solid (candy hearts) in a variety of liquid solvents. This experiment asks the question of which liquid is a better solvent for dissolving the solid, a candy heart.
Dissolving Hearts Science Experiment for Valentine’s Day
Equipment
- clear small bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- timer
Instructions
- Place 1 cup of water into three different cups. Into one cup, add ¼ cup sugar, stirring until it is dissolved. Into the second cup, add ¼ cup salt, stirring until dissolved.
- Heat the remaining 3 cups of water until hot.
- Place 1 cup of hot water into three different cups. Into one cup, add ¼ cup sugar, stirring until it is dissolved. Into the second cup, add ¼ cup salt, stirring until dissolved.
- Place one candy heart into each cup of water. Set a timer for 2 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, check the candy hearts and make note of which have changed.
- Continue checking the candy hearts every 2 to 5 minutes, making note of the changes.
- Discuss which liquids caused the candy canes to dissolve faster/slower and why. If desired, repeat the experiment using different room-temperature liquids such as vinegar, liquid dish soap, oil, soda pop, etc.
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