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Make Your Own Marshmallows

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14 reviews
Active Time
45 minutes to 1 hour
Total Project Time
1 to 2 days
Key Concepts
chemistry, boiling point, ratios
Adding vanilla to a bowl of whipped sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin during the marshmallow making process.

Introduction

Whether you are huddled around a fireplace, or drinking hot chocolate after a day in the snow, nothing says fun quite like a marshmallow! Even its name is soft and spongy! Have you ever wondered how marshmallows are made? Long ago marshmallows were actually made from a plant, the marshmallow plant, but today we usually make them using a few key ingredients, namely gelatin, corn syrup, and sugar. In this appetizing activity you will get to explore what ratio of sugar to corn syrup produces the best-tasting and best-textured marshmallows!

Credits

Teisha Rowland, PhD, Science Buddies
This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,150 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.
Next: Materials

Materials

  • Masking tape
  • Pen or marker
  • Ruler
  • Paper towels
  • Timer
  • 8 or 9 inch square foil cake pans or round foil pie pans (2)
  • Small sifter or strainer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan with lid
  • Electric mixer or beater
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Fork
  • Spatula
  • Pizza wheel or cookie cutter approximately 1 inch by 1 inch
  • Large air-tight containers or gallon-size sealable plastic bags
  • Water
  • Vegetable oil, like canola or safflower oil
  • Corn syrup, light or dark is fine (1/2 cup)
  • Powdered or confectioner's sugar
  • Plain, unflavored, ¼-ounce gelatin envelopes (2); available at grocery stores
  • Granulated sugar (1 ¼ cups)
  • Candy thermometer; it must be able to read up to 240 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 115 degrees Celsius
  • Vanilla extract
  • Taste-testing volunteers, such as friends and family!
    Photograph of the ingredients needed to make homemade marshmallows as a science activity.
Next: Instructions

Reviews

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Active Time
45 minutes to 1 hour
Total Project Time
1 to 2 days
Key Concepts
chemistry, boiling point, ratios
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