How to Form a Crystal From a String in a Jar
Growing crystals is an excellent science experiment for children ages 8 to 12. It teaches children about saturation as well as how crystals form. The project can be completed in one day, but the results will not be fully evident for at least two weeks. This project can be completed in a school setting, or at home with a parent.
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Things You'll Need
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- Pan
- Pencil
- String
- Spoon
- Glass jar
- Paper towel
Instructions
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1
Pour the water and sugar into a pan and give it a stir.
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2
Set the pan on the stove and turn the heat setting to high. Bring solution to a boil.
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3
Continue to stir the sugar in the water until it appears to be completely dissolved. Turn the heat off and let the water cool, about 15 minutes.
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4
Tie a piece of string to the middle of a pencil. Make sure the string is as long as the glass jar.
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5
Set the pencil across the top of the jar and allow the string to hang into the jar.
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6
Slowly pour sugar/water solution into the jar.
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7
Cover jar with a paper towel and set out on a counter where it can easily be observed.
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8
Watch the crystals slowly form on the string. You should have a full crystal at the end of two weeks.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Salt will work in place of sugar to grow crystals. Add food coloring to the boiling water if you want to make your crystals a certain color.
If water is not completely saturated with sugar, it will take longer for crystals to form.
