Candy Cane Experiments in Christmas Homeschool

10 free unit studies

When I asked moms which subject area would be the hardest one to integrate into their Christmas homeschool, the answer is often Science. So, let’s look at fun candy cane experiments you can use this December.

candy cane experiments

Let’s face it, your kids are already thinking about Christmas and probably struggling to focus on their academics. If they’re thinking about Christmas, use the holidays to teach your subject areas. That’s one of my tips to encourage a love of learning … tie your subject area into your child’s interest.

These crystal candy cane experiments are simple enough for preschoolers to make, but the Science is challenging enough for elementary and middle schoolers.

Let’s get started . . .

Crystal Candy Cane Experiments

Once you finish this Christmas Science experiment, you can hang these candy canes as ornaments on your tree.

You’ll need the following:

  • Pipe cleaners
  • Borax – Found in laundry aisle or here
  • Jar or glass
  • String or yarn
  • Boiling water
  • Pencil or straw

Before starting the experiment, explain what you will do. Allow your kids to make predictions about what will happen if the pipe cleaner candy canes are in the Borax solution overnight.While the kids are creating their pipe cleaner candy cane, set the water to boil.

Let the kids twist the pipe cleaner to look like the twist of a candy cane. Then, shape with a hook at one end.

Tie a loop of string or yarn around the candy cane hook.

Slide the loop into your pencil or rod. We used a paint brush because that’s what we had.

candy cane experiments

Parental supervision: Add 1/3 cup Borax to your cup or jar. Pour boiling water in jar.

Kids can stir to dissolve the Borax.

Kids put the candy cane in the water and let pencil rest on lid.

Leave alone overnight.

Remove your candy cane and discover the crystals.

Slip the loop off the pencil. Cut the loop off. Hang the candy cane on your Christmas tree.

Why does this happen? Ask your kids why they think the candy cane now has crystals.

candy cane experiments

The Borax starts to settle overnight, but some of the Borax is suspended in the solution. The Borax attaches itself to some of the water molecules. When the water is hot, the molecules with Borax are far apart. As the water cools, the molecules are closer together. The cooled Borax-water molecules then attach themselves to the pipe cleaner, looking like crystals.

Melting Candy Canes

Another one of our candy cane experiments, allows students to see their candy cane melt over time. You’ll need:

  • Mini candy canes
  • Warm water
  • Small bowls
  • Post-Its

Explain to your children we will pour different temperatures of water over each candy cane. Allow them to predict what will happen to each candy cane, based on the water temperature. Cold. Warm. Hot.

  1. Children put one candy cane in each bowl.
  2. Label what temperature of water you will pour over each candy cane by placing a Post-It next to each bowl.
  3. Create your different water temperatures by adding ice to 1 cup of water. Allow 1 cup water to be room temperature. Heat 1 cup water in the microwave for 1 minute.
  4. Depending on the age of your kids, they may pour different temperature of water in each bowl.
  5. Write down any immediate observations. Sight. Smell. Taste of water.
  6. Watch for a minute. Write down observations.
  7. Check your candy canes every 5 minutes for a half-hour. Write down your observations each time.

Ask your children why the candy canes melted at different rates.

Similar to the crystal candy cane experiment, the hot water’s molecules are moving more rapidly. With rapid movement, the hot water melts the candy cane much more quickly.

Would you like our Candy Cane Experiments Printables? You’ll receive printables for your children to make predictions, record observations, as well as directions and supply lists for each of our Candy Cane Experiments.

Normally, this ebook is $5, but you can have it free for a limited time. Leave your name & email below and we’ll send

Before I close . . . 2020 has been quite a year. It’s definitely been one for the books and one we’ll likely never forget. We have made it to the holiday season – a time for gratitude, togetherness, and celebration.

To celebrate the holiday season and the year 2020 coming to an end, I’ve teamed up with some of my favorite bloggers for the 7th annual Christmas Blessings Giveaway with the hopes of making this holiday season even more memorable (in a good way) for TWO families by giving away $500 in Paypal cash to each family. 

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While we wish we could bless many more families, we were able to come up with a big prize for TWO families – $500 each (delivered via Paypal) – that we pray will make a big difference in their lives this Christmas season – whether it’s to fulfill their kids’ Christmas wishes, pay off some bills, or to help build some savings, our prayer is that it helps to lessen any financial burden and/or fills a specific need, or simply brightens your day.

There are lots of entry options in the Rafflecopter form below – the more you enter, the better your chance of winning! 

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Plus, all of these amazing bloggers donated their own money toward the cash prizes, so this giveaway wouldn’t be possible without them.  I hope you’ll take the time to check out each one. Who knows, maybe you will find some new blogs to follow.

The giveaway ends Wednesday, November 25th (ends at 11:59pm EST). Winner will be notified by email shortly after the giveaway ends and will have 48 hours to respond to claim the prize or another winner will be drawn. You must have a Paypal account to win.  By entering this giveaway, you agree to be added to the email lists of the participating bloggers.  Please be sure to read the Rafflecopter terms and conditions upon entering.

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22 Comments

  1. I never thought of the Borax experiment, when we made “geodes”. Glad that box of Borax lasts forever.

    Thanks for the chance and these great ideas.

  2. Love the ideas I find on here to try with my kids. Always fresh ideas I have not thought of or new ways of doing. Can’t wait to try these.

  3. These experiments look so cool! My eldest loves doing science experiments, so we will definitely be trying some of these out this year. Thank you so much for sharing this.

  4. These look so cool! My eldest loves to do science experiments, so we will definitely be trying some of these this year. Thank you so much for sharing!

  5. We did something similar to the candy cane crystal experiment, but I don’t think we used Borax and it didn’t turn out so well! ( I can’t remember what we used). We will definitely have to try this one out and use Borax this time!

  6. I can’t wait to show my granddaughters how to make these candy canes! What a great idea, so thank you! God bless everyone and I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday.

  7. instead of using borax I think I’d be more inclined to using a strong sugar solution for making the candy canes. I haven’t tried it, just a bit safer I think. What do you think?

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