Experiments: Oil Test

What Kids Learn

Some chewy candies contain oil. It's there for a reason — to soften the candy and keep it from drying out. Oil can also make candy more glossy or less sticky. But when food contains oil, it also contains fat.

In this experiment, kids will get to see and touch the oil. It's a great way to learn about what goes into foods — and how sometimes foods contain stuff we don't expect!

How to Play

In this experiment you'll heat and cool the candy. Watch out, though. It gets hot! Don't let kids touch it until it's really cool. Follow the directions below.

You'll need:

• 1 Starburst candy
• Microwave
• Microwaveable plate

What to do:

1. Remove the Starburst's paper wrapper. Place candy on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Microwave the Starburst until it turns liquid and bubbly, about a minute. (Caution: Hot!)
3. As the Starburst cools, look for shiny spots on top. This is the melted oil.
4. When it's completely cool, the oil will harden into whitish spots (like wax). Let kids scrape them off and rub them between their fingers to feel the oil.
   

© Loralee Leavitt. Used with permission.
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Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

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