The Dissolving Candy Corn Experiment: Sweet Halloween Science for Every Learner

The Dissolving Candy Corn Experiment

This candy corn experiment prompts learners to explore what happens when these traditional fall candiers are submerged in different liquids. Students make predictions and observe the instant affects each liquid has on these sugary treats.

The concept connects beautifully to chemistry standards involving solutions, solubility, and change over time.

You’ll Need:

• Student lab sheet for observations and results
• Candy corn pieces (3–6 per group)
• Small clear cups or glasses (I used glass)
• Water, vinegar, and soda water (or any liquids you want to test!)
• Comic-style visual lab instructions (included in the Cool School Comics kit)

How It Works

1. Predict – Students look at each liquid and predict what will happen when the candy is dropped in.
2. Observe – Watch what happens over a few minutes. Which liquid causes the candy corn to break down first?
3. Record – Students sketch or explain their observations, using the differentiated lab report pages.
4. Discuss – Talk about why some liquids worked faster than others.

How Visual Instructions Mean this Experiment Works for Every Learner

The Dissolving Candy Corn experiment isn’t just fun, it is accessible to a wide range of learners.

Many of my students struggle to follow multi-step lab directions. They see a list of tasks and instantly shutdown. This results in disengaged and often disrupting learners.

This is why I started drawing comic-style, visual instructions that show each step clearly.

• Visual learners can see what to do next.
• Struggling readers can follow easily follow along because the visuals help decode text.
• ESL/ELL students can connect meaning through visuals.
• Teachers can relax because there is no extra prep required!

And the black-line version doubles as a coloring activity, making it an easy add-on for early finishers or small-group stations.

What Is Candy Corn Made Of?

Before diving into the experiment, let’s answer one sweet question: What is candy corn made of?

Candy corn is a blend of sugar, corn syrup, and food coloring, often coated in a thin layer of wax. These ingredients dissolve at different rates in liquids like water, vinegar, or oil — which makes them perfect for a hands-on Halloween chemistry lesson!

Understanding what candy corn is made of helps students make thoughtful predictions about which liquids will cause it to dissolve the fastest.

Next time your students ask “What is candy corn made of?”, let them discover the answer through hands-on exploration!

• Explore real chemistry concepts
• Practice the scientific method
• Strengthen observation and communication skills