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M&M science rainbow {STEAM for kids}

June 28, 2017 by Katie 16 Comments

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Looking for a science activity that will mesmerize kids (and grownups!) of all ages? Want to add a bit of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) into your day? Then this M&M science rainbow is just the activity you need!

Our family has done this activity so many times, and it never fails to impress me. It’s always hard for me to take my eyes off of the growing rainbow that forms. I hope you and your children will enjoy this activity as much as we do!

Note: Find more awesome science demonstrations on my Science Activities for Kids page!

M&M science rainbow | Candy science for kids | M&M STEAM activity for kids | M&M STEM activity for kids | Preschool science activity | M&M rainbow science | Candy STEAM | Candy STEM || Gift of Curiosity

To make an M&M science rainbow, you will need the following materials:

  • M&Ms
  • Plate
  • Water

I started by putting some M&Ms onto a plate.

M&M science rainbow | Candy science for kids | M&M STEAM activity for kids | M&M STEM activity for kids | Preschool science activity | M&M rainbow science | Candy STEAM | Candy STEM || Gift of Curiosity

My kids arranged the M&Ms in a large circle at the outside edge of the plate.

M&M science rainbow | Candy science for kids | M&M STEAM activity for kids | M&M STEM activity for kids | Preschool science activity | M&M rainbow science | Candy STEAM | Candy STEM || Gift of Curiosity

It’s a bit hard to see in the picture below, but the next step is to gently add enough water to the middle of the plate until the water is touching all of the M&Ms. Be careful not to add the water too roughly or it will cause some of the M&Ms to move out of the circle.

M&M science rainbow | Candy science for kids | M&M STEAM activity for kids | M&M STEM activity for kids | Preschool science activity | M&M rainbow science | Candy STEAM | Candy STEM || Gift of Curiosity

Then just watch. Over the next few minutes, a beautiful rainbow will form right before your eyes!

M&M science rainbow | Candy science for kids | M&M STEAM activity for kids | M&M STEM activity for kids | Preschool science activity | M&M rainbow science | Candy STEAM | Candy STEM || Gift of Curiosity

To really get a sense of how cool this M&M science rainbow is, you need to see the video below!

What’s the science behind the M&M science rainbow?

The hard shell of the M&Ms is made with water soluble colors. When the water touches the M&Ms, the colors begin to dissolve off of the M&Ms and run into the water. Because of the shape of the plate and the positioning of the M&Ms, the colors have no where to go except into the middle of the plate, forming a beautiful rainbow as they do.

STEAM Kids book

Looking for more hands-on activities that incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM)? Then you’ll love STEAM Kids! This book features 52 hands-on activities are helpfully identified by category (science / technology / engineering / art / math) so you know exactly what skills your kids are developing.

Grab a copy of the e-book delivered as a PDF download (or this e-book for EU residents) and in print at Amazon.

More science activities for kids

More science activities from Gift of Curiosity:

  • Dancing raisins
  • Candy experiments
  • Jumping colors science activity
  • Make your own glycerin soap
  • Crystallized snowflakes
  • Dissecting an apple
  • What do ants like to eat?
  • Make your own telescope
  • The great baking soda and vinegar experiment
  • Magic inflating balloons

Don’t have time to gather materials? Want to make science super easy? Check out these monthly subscription services that will send science and creativity kits to your door!

  • Steve Spangler Science Kits
  • Tinker Crate Hands-On Experiments
  • Discover Boxes from Green Kids Crafts

Find more great science activities on my Science Activities for Kids page and my Science Activities Pinterest board. 

Follow Gift of Curiosity’s board Science on Pinterest.

M&M science rainbow | Candy science for kids | M&M STEAM activity for kids | M&M STEM activity for kids | Preschool science activity | M&M rainbow science | Candy STEAM | Candy STEM || Gift of Curiosity

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16 Comments

Comments

  1. Lizzie says

    July 4, 2017 at 3:34 pm

    Great ideas, thanks for sharing. I’m so glad I discovered your site..

    Reply
  2. Blake evans says

    March 9, 2019 at 12:54 pm

    Can paper plates be used?

    Reply
    • Katie says

      March 9, 2019 at 5:56 pm

      I suppose it would depend on the quality of the paper plate how long it could have water sitting on it before falling apart.

      Reply
  3. Ibtesam says

    June 12, 2019 at 4:18 am

    I liked it , simple and easy , i used it for my little cousins !

    Reply
  4. leslie says

    January 20, 2020 at 5:26 pm

    Do you think Skittles could be used instead of M&Ms?

    Reply
    • Katie says

      January 21, 2020 at 8:04 am

      Most likely Skittles would work perfectly well for this activity. Give it a try!

      Reply
  5. emma says

    January 30, 2020 at 1:58 pm

    do I need hot water or room temperature water?
    thanks

    Reply
    • Katie says

      January 30, 2020 at 2:28 pm

      Room temperature water will work just fine.

      Reply
  6. Lala says

    March 5, 2020 at 7:32 am

    Have you tried this with just the primary colors? It would be cool to see if the blended colors make the secondary colors as well.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      March 5, 2020 at 8:20 am

      I have not tried it that way but it sounds like a great idea!

      Reply
  7. Katrina says

    April 14, 2020 at 12:55 pm

    I just did this today with my daughter and she loved it! Thank you! We used the pastel colored M&Ms from Easter.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      April 14, 2020 at 7:06 pm

      So glad you guys enjoyed this activity together!

      Reply
  8. Tracy says

    October 13, 2020 at 1:25 pm

    It’s national M&M Day! I just shared this on my new blog with credit to you of course! Such a fun activity!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      October 13, 2020 at 4:37 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  9. Alisa says

    November 15, 2020 at 1:27 pm

    What size plate should be used? Is 5 inch okay?

    Reply
    • Katie says

      November 15, 2020 at 3:35 pm

      I think just about any size will work. Just use what you have on hand and enjoy!

      Reply

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