Science Challenge

Get involved in our December Science Challenge - Melting Marshmallows.

Science Challenge - Melting Marshmallows

Resources:

• Hot chocolate powder
• Milk or water
• Marshmallows
• Microwave *ask for adult help with this*
• Spoon
• Timer

Instructions:

You are investigating if the temperature of the hot chocolate affects how quickly the marshmallows melt.

1. Measure the same amount of milk into three identical cups.
2. Heat one cup of milk in the microwave for 1 minute, one for 40 seconds and 1 for 20 seconds (adult help needed here).
3. Add the same amount of hot chocolate powder to each cup and give it a good stir.
4. Place the same number/weight of marshmallows gently into each cup.
5. Check each cup every 30 seconds and record your data. How do the marshmallows change as they melt? 

If you want to repeat the experiment you could change a different variable e.g., the amount of milk in each cup or the amount of hot chocolate powder.

Please send a photo on Class Dojo to your teacher. All entries will receive a sticker.

The Science

Melting is when a substance changes from a solid to a liquid as the temperature increases. The heat gives more energy to the particles in the solid. This makes the particles move further and more freely as the solid melts.

Science of the Month: Melting

Choose one of the following topics to investigate/discuss:

1. Find out why salt melts ice.
2. Research the process of melting plastic and explain why this is good for the environment.
3. Find out the melting points of the following items:
   • glass
   • sugar
   • olive oil
   • candle wax
   • gold

You can also download our Science Challenge as a PDF.

• Science Challenge December 2024 (PDF)