Bendy Candy Cane Experiment

 

If you are like us at all, you always seem to have a lot of extra candy canes lying around. Our kids are particularly interested in eating them, so we decided to try and experiment with them.

 

When completing any type of experiment, I have the boys complete worksheets and test their hypothesis. For worksheets that go with this science experiment, head below to grab your copy.

 

For this experiment, adult supervision is a must!

Usually, candy canes are hard and brittle, but with a little bit of heat, they can turn into soft, bendable canes that can be shaped into whatever your heart desires.

 

Start by taking the wrapping off the candy canes that you will be using.

 

Lay some baking paper  or parchment paper on a baking tray.

 

Arrange the candy canes on the baking paper so that they are not touching each other.

 

Place the tray in the oven and set to 250˚F or 120˚C.

 

Keep a close eye on the candy canes3. This can take anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes.

 

Take the tray out of the oven and let the candy canes cool for about one minute.

 

Then, very carefully, mould the candy canes into shapes. You may wish to use a mittens to help with this process.

 

 

Let the candy cane shapes cool completely.

 

Note: If your candy canes cool too quickly before you finish bending them, just pop them back in the oven for another minute or two and continue with the process.

 

Candy canes are made mostly from sugar crystals that are held together when shaped. As you heat up the candy, the bond that holds them together weaken, which then allow the candy to be shaped. As the candy cane cools again, the bond reforms, leaving the candy cane to stay in its new shape.