Warty Licorice sm

Can you make a smooth piece of licorice grow warts? Do this science experiment with the kids to find out!

Time: 5 minutes
Skill level: Get a grown-up

Supplies
Twizzlers licorice twists (the Pull-n-Peel variety works especially well)
Microwave-safe plate
Microwave
(For alternative method: baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and oven)

Directions
1. Place the licorice on the plate.
2. Microwave on low or medium heat, checking it every 30 seconds so it doesn’t start to burn. Does your licorice grow warts?

Alternative directions
Place licorice on baking sheet and heat in 300 degree oven. Check back every 5 minutes until you see warts growing.

What’s happening
Licorice, like most soft candy, contains a little water. The warts might be created by water making tiny pockets of steam when it’s heated.

Why doesn’t licorice melt in the oven or microwave? Because licorice contains flour, which doesn’t melt. This also means that by some legal definitions, licorice isn’t actually candy!

----------

Find more experiments and science fair ideas in the book, Candy Experiments 2 by Loralee Leavitt/Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC.

Published: February 2015

Easy Science Experiments for Kids

Easy Science Experiments for Kids

The kids will love doing these easy science experiments at home with fruit and materials you may already have on hand. Try making lemon volcanoes or sending a secret message to a friend with a banana! . . .

Read more

Benefits of Gardening with Kids

Benefits of Gardening with Kids

Wondering how to get your kids to eat more veggies? Grow them.  Whether it’s a container on the patio or a raised bed, gardening is easier than most people think, even with limited space . . .

Read more

Full STEAM Ahead - STEAM Bingo

Full STEAM Ahead - STEAM Bingo

Ready to have some fun with STEM (science, technology, engineering & math)? Complete at least one activity in each category (plus A for Art) to make STEAM. Challenge kids to "spell" STEAM differen . . .

Read more

Full STEAM Ahead: DIY STEM Kits for Kids

Full STEAM Ahead: DIY STEM Kits for Kids

Implementing open-ended STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) activities has numerous benefits to future makers, and encouraging students to tinker in a supportive environment promotes . . .

Read more

How to Make Popcorn Pop Rocks

How to Make Popcorn Pop Rocks

Help the kids make scientific discoveries at home with candy. With a little hot water, you can make these Pop Rocks really pop!Time: 10 minutesSkill level: Get a grown-upSuppliesPop RocksHot water ( . . .

Read more

Full STEAM Ahead: 15-Minute STEM Activities

Full STEAM Ahead: 15-Minute STEM Activities

Fun, easy STEM activities are a great way to entertain kids and help them make unique discoveries at home. With a few simple, low-cost supplies and minimal directions, young scientists will be engag . . .

Read more

Acid Dissolving Test

Acid Dissolving Test

Here’s an easy, kid-friendly science project you can do at home!Time: 1 hourSkill level: MediumYour digestive system uses acid. Does that mean that acid dissolves candy?What you need:Candy that di . . .

Read more

How to Make a Box Oven

How to Make a Box Oven

There are several different types of box ovens you can make. These instructions are for a box oven with a hinged lid. If you use the sturdy materials recommended and take good care of it, you should b . . .

Read more

STEM Activities for Kids

STEM Activities for Kids

With the popularity of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education in school, you might wonder what you can do at home to boost a child’s sense of curiosity and ability to problem-s . . .

Read more

Make a Bug Vacuum

Make a Bug Vacuum

Capture insects with ease using this simple DIY bug vacuum kids can make at home. Scientists capture bugs for study using a mouth-powered vacuum, called an aspirator or a pooter. Swallowing specimens . . .

Read more

Plant a Patio Garden

Plant a Patio Garden

No Yard? Plant a Patio Garden with Kids Whether you live in a high-rise apartment or a house with limited green space, your family can reap the benefits of gardening together. Gardening teaches kid . . .

Read more

Full STEAM Ahead: STEM for Your Health

Full STEAM Ahead: STEM for Your Health

Increased screen time and busy schedules have led to a number of health issues, including decreased physical activity and unhealthy eating habits. Consider using easy STEM activities to help your fa . . .

Read more

How to Make Warty Licorice

How to Make Warty Licorice

Can you make a smooth piece of licorice grow warts? Do this science experiment with the kids to find out!Time: 5 minutesSkill level: Get a grown-upSuppliesTwizzlers licorice twists (the Pull-n-Peel . . .

Read more

Candy Chromatography

Candy Chromatography

  Many science experiments involve candy. Follow the directions below to find out how you can use science to determine how candies get their colors. Materials:Coffee filtersClear jars or cupsP . . .

Read more

Soda Bottle Boats

Soda Bottle Boats

Did you know there are more than 900,000 boats in the state of California? If you take a look around San Diego County on any given day you can spot many different types of boats. You might notice sail . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe