Have a few leftover Peeps after Easter? Before you snack on them (or toss them), why not turn them into a weird and wonderful science experiment?
This Easter Peeps Science Experiment is a hands-on, colorful way for kids to explore how different liquids react with sugary treats like marshmallow Peeps. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to sneak in some scientific observation and critical thinking while having fun!
What You’ll Need:
- Marshmallow Peeps (any color or shape)
- Clear plastic or glass cups
- Water
- Vinegar
- Clear soda (like Sprite or 7UP)
- Lemon juice
- Labels or sticky notes to identify each liquid
- Fork or spoon for testing texture
Let’s Get Experimenting!
Step 1: Set Up Your Station
Label each cup with the name of the liquid you’ll be using. Then pour a small amount of each liquid into its cup—just enough to cover a Peep.
Now, plop a Peep into each cup and make sure they’re submerged (you might need to flip them upside down if they float).
Observation Prompt for Kids:
Why do you think the Peeps are floating? What do we know about marshmallows that might explain this?
(Hint: They’re full of air bubbles!)
Step 2: Make Your First Observations
Within minutes, you’ll start to notice some changes. Ask your kids:
Is the color of the Peep changing?
Is the liquid changing color?
Are there any bubbles?
Is one liquid reacting faster than another?
For example, you might notice:
Water and soda quickly take on a pink hue (especially if your Peeps are pink).
Soda bubbles up and makes fizzing sounds.
Vinegar might start to dissolve the Peep more quickly.
Lemon juice can subtly lighten the color of the Peep.
Step 3: Check Back Later
After about 5 minutes, look again. Then let the Peeps soak overnight and come back in 24 hours for the big reveal.
Here’s what you might see after a day:
The water-soaked Peep has lost most of its color but is still pretty fluffy.
The vinegar Peep is starting to dissolve and feels much mushier.
The soda Peep is still springy but may have dissolved coloring into the liquid.
The lemon juice Peep has lightened and may look a little gooey.
Texture Test: Use a fork to gently press each Peep and see which one is the softest or most dissolved.
The Science Behind the Sugar
Peeps are marshmallows, and marshmallows are made of sugar, gelatin, and air bubbles. The different liquids affect these components in different ways:
Vinegar is acidic and breaks down the gelatin more quickly.
Carbonated soda releases gas bubbles, which may interact with the sugary coating.
Lemon juice, like vinegar, is acidic, but a bit gentler.
Water simply dissolves the sugar over time without much chemical reaction.
Each liquid brings a different chemical reaction to the table, making this the perfect opportunity to talk about acidity, solubility, and physical change with your kids.
Want to Take It Further?
Try testing Peeps in:
Ketchup
Milk
Orange juice
Coffee
Dish soap!
Ask your young scientists:
Which liquid caused the most change?
Which Peep looks the most “normal” after 24 hours?
Did any liquid create a smell?
Final Thoughts
This Easter Peeps Science Experiment is not only fun and colorful—it’s also a fantastic way to sneak some science into your holiday celebrations. It sparks curiosity, encourages observation skills, and gives kids the freedom to explore and experiment.
So go ahead—poke at your Peeps, observe the gooey changes, and let us know which liquid worked best in your experiment!
For more Easter fun and creative craft ideas, check out the rest of our DIY holiday projects!
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