How to Make an Earth Science Project
Growing rock candy is a simple way to learn about rock crystals and how they form. In addition to conducting the experiment, students should research rock crystals, and make predictions about what factors affect the growth of the crystals. The experiment can be conducted using a store-bought kit, or with a few common household objects. The quantity of supplies needed will be determined by the amount of variables you wish to test; quantities listed for water and sugar are for one jarred experiment.
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Things You'll Need
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Glass jar
- Measuring cup
- Cotton string
- Scissors
- Screw
- Wax paper
- Pencil
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
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1
Heat water in the saucepan until boiling. Add sugar and stir until sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture comes to a rolling boil. If desired, add food coloring until your preferred color has been achieved.
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2
Remove saucepan from heat, and carefully pour sugar mixture into the jar; cover jar with the wax paper and set aside.
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3
Cut string so it is about 2/3 the depth of the jar. Tie the string to the screw, and then dip into the sugar solution for a few seconds. Remove from the mixture, straighten the string, and lay it on a piece of wax paper for a few days until dried.
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4
Wrap or tie the non-weighted end of the string around the pencil. Remove the wax paper covering, and place the pencil on the top of the jar so that the string is suspended in the sugar solution.
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5
Let the jar sit undisturbed for at least one week. Take pictures daily, and record observations. By the end of the week there should be large defined crystals on the string.
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Tips & Warnings
The string must be soaked in the sugar solution in order to form the "seed crystals," which serve as the starting point for the larger crystals to form.
Consider altering the experiment by adding more sugar to the solution, reheating the solution and then adding the seeded string, or placing jars in varying conditions, such as in a heated area, or a cooler area. Record temperatures and take pictures for accurate recording.
Once the rock candy is formed it is safe to eat after the screw has been cut off; however, if this is for a science fair project keep the candy until the completion of the presentation.
Since heated sugar is extremely hot, an adult should pour the mixture into the jar. Consider handling the jar with oven mitts while pouring the sugar mixture or moving the jar to a resting place.
