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Geology Science Fair Project

Candy Models of Rocks and Minerals

Easy
Candy Models of Rocks and Minerals | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
Can you tell the difference between a rock and a mineral just by looking inside? A mineral is made of one material all the way through. A rock is a mix of different materials pressed together. You cut open different types of candy and look at the cross section. Some candies have one uniform color and texture throughout. Others show layers or mixed-in pieces. By comparing the insides, you classify each candy as a rock model or a mineral model.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that some candies have characteristics of a mineral, while others have characteristics of a rock.

Method & Materials

You will observe the physical properties of candy, bite or cut it to observe its inside, and then classify it as a rock or a mineral. Minerals are things found in nature with a definite chemical composition and repeating arrangement of atoms. Rocks are made of a combination of one or more minerals that we find in nature.
You will need a plate to lay out the candies and assorted candies of two types: Group A Candy - Hershey Kisses, Gummy Bears, Chocolate Chips, Jelly Beans, Group B Candy - Snickers, Butterfinger, M&Ms, Reese's Cup.

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Results

This experiment uses candy to show the characteristics of rocks and minerals. Group A candies represent minerals and Group B candies represent rocks.

Why do this project?

This science project is unique because it uses candy to introduce the difference between rocks and minerals.

Also Consider

Experiment variations to consider are: using different types of candy or adding a microscope to observe the candy's physical properties in more detail.

Full project details

Additional information and source material for this project are available below.

Related video

These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
Learn about all the differences between minerals, rocks, crystals and gems from the American Museum of Natural History!
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