How to Make Crystals of Sugar

Crystals of sugar form easily on wooden skewers.

Making sugar crystals is a science experiment that your kids will enjoy doing at home any time of the year, with the help of an adult. Also known as rock candy, this project can provide entertainment as well as educate your children as they watch crystals of sugar slowly form from one day to the next. In addition, as a final treat, your kids get to eat the end result of this sweet learning experiment.

Things You'll Need

• Saucepan
• 2 cups water
• 4 cups sugar
• Mason jar
• Wooden skewers
• Paper towel
• Food coloring (optional)
• Flavorings (optional)

Instructions

1. Pour two cups of cold water into a saucepan. Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

2. Add the sugar one cup at a time, stirring until dissolved before adding each additional cup. You can also add food coloring or flavoring at this time if desired.

3. Remove the pan from heat once the sugar mixture begins boiling. Pour into a clean and dry mason jar.

4. Place a wooden skewer in the jar and lay a paper towel over the top to keep dust out. Hanging a pencil or Popsicle stick into the jar from a string suspended across its lip also works, but of course the pencil will not be edible later.

5. Place the jar on your counter and leave undisturbed.

6. Look at the jar each day to observe how many crystals have formed on your skewer. Remove the stick at the end of one week. Enjoy eating the sugar crystals.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when pouring the sugar mixture into the jar, as it will be hot.

References

• allrecipes.com: Sugar Crystals
• iqio.org: Sugar Crystals
• Crystals of Sugar