Candy experiments teach chemistry at Great Lakes Science Center

CLEVELAND, Ohio – “Smitten with Science” at the Great Lakes Science Center blends candy, chemistry and creativity into a hands-on Valentine’s season experience designed to show kids that science can be found in unexpected places — even inside candy.

At the heart of the programming is the Candy Chromatography family workshop, led by Andy Pallotta, a programs specialist at the Science Center. The workshop is focused on the chemistry of candy and introduces young learners to basic STEM concepts through three simple, engaging experiments.

One of the most dramatic moments comes from the “screaming gummy bear” demonstration, where potassium chlorate reacts with the sugar in a gummy bear. The candy catches fire, releasing a burst of energy that visually demonstrates just how much energy (or calories) is stored in a small piece of candy.

The workshop also uses a simple color wheel experiment. For this, children line the outside of a plastic plate with brightly colored Skittles. When water is added, the dye dissolves and moves toward the center of the plate, creating a rainbow effect. Because the dye-infused water is heavier than normal water, it travels inward, offering a stepping stone into conversations about dissolving and chromatography. The activity is designed for younger children who may not yet understand how water breaks things down.

In the final experiment, participants use coffee filters and dyed water from the Skittles to see how the filter absorbs and stretches out the colors. By placing dots of dye onto the filter, children can create their own artwork to take home. At the same time they learn how chemists dissolve substances, allow the tiny parts to spread out, and identify what’s in a solution based on how it separates.

The workshop offers a basic introduction to chemistry concepts for kindergarten through middle school students, though it is designed to be accessible to anyone with little or no science background. Creativity is intentionally folded into the science to spark curiosity and keep participants engaged.

“Chemistry is all around us, even in candy,” Pallotta said. From the dyes used in sweets to the energy stored in sugar, something as simple as candy contains a surprising amount of science. The goal is to encourage kids to look at the world differently and recognize science in places they wouldn’t normally expect.

The Candy Chromatography workshops take place on Sundays, Feb. 8, 15 and 22, with a $5 materials fee per person.

Smitten with Science programming also includes Valentine’s Day weekend activities on February 14, 15 and 16. Guests can experience the Energize It Big Science Show on February 14, followed by the It’s Electric Big Science Show on February 15 and 16.

Additional hands-on activities throughout the weekend include magnetism demonstrations, heart-themed science carts, a Missing Hearts scavenger hunt and a community art build where guests add hearts to a shared arch and snap a photo with their creation.