I have done the dissolving Skittle experiment 1,000 times and always wondered what would happen with a dissolving jelly bean science experiment. Well, 2024 was the year to find out (spoiler: it’s awesome).
Dissolving jelly bean science experiment vs. the Skittle experiment
The Skittle experiment has been popular for years (and for good reason).
For the Skittle experiment, you place Skittles around the perimeter of a plate, add some water, and then watch as the colors dissolve and move toward the center of the plate.
It is very cool and exciting to kids and adults of all ages, no matter how many times you do it.
I’ve done it with the red, blue, and purple bags of Skittles. I guess you could call me a Skittleologist.
The other day when looking at a big bag of extra jelly beans I had on hand for jelly bean oobleck and bubbling jelly beans, I wondered if I could use them for the Skittle experiment.
GOOD NEWS: you can! 🎉
🐰 Related: More Easter fun this way! Head to our full collection of Easter activities for kids.
Materials
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- Jelly beans
- Plate
- Warm water
Directions
STEP 1: Place jelly beans around the perimeter of a plate.
STEP 2: Carefully and slowly pour warm water into the plate, covering the jelly beans about halfway up.
💡 Teacher Tip: Make sure your plate does not get moved or bumped during the experiment. For the first time doing this, try it on a counter that cannot accidentally move if bumped into, unlike a table.
STEP 3: The colors will slowly dissolve off the jelly beans and migrate toward the center of the plate. You can sit and watch the whole process or come back every few minutes.
The longer the jelly beans sit in the water, the darker the colors will become.
Note: Just like if you give a mouse a cookie, if you give kids some jelly beans on a plate with water, chances are they’ll want to do it over and over again.
How long does it take for jelly beans to dissolve in water?
Jelly beans will start to dissolve almost instantly, and after about 30 seconds, you’ll start to see the color begin to come off.
At first, the colors that travel to the center will be very light.
However, the water will get darker and darker as you allow them to sit longer and longer.
The final photos taken here were taken after about 20 minutes.
Bonus activity in the dissolving jelly bean science experiment
The colors moving toward the center of the plate is a complete, wonderful experiment on its own.
But who doesn’t love a Buy 1 Get 1 Free? 😉
Once you’re done with the first experiment, invite your child to lift the jelly beans and observe what happened to them.
How did this happen? Where did the bottom shell of the jelly bean go?
Don’t miss these other must-try Easter activities:
What would your kids think of this experiment?
If you find they love it just as much as we do, you can also try it with other items.
We have done this experiment with Skittles and M&Ms before, but tons of candies would also work.
I can’t wait to hear what your child thinks of this fascinating Easter experiment!
Dissolving Jelly Bean Science Experiment FAQ
Any that can safely enjoy the materials.
Yes! You can use Skittles, M&Ms, or other small, colorful candies.
It accelerates the dissolving. You can use cold water and the experiment will just be slower.
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