How to Do an Alum Science Project
There are many different options when it is time to pick a science fair project. One of the more common options is to grow crystals. When you think of crystal growing at home, most people think of rock candy, but there are many other options too. You could grow crystals in gelatin, salt crystals and alum crystals. Alum crystals are fairly easy to grow and all you will need is alum and water.
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Instructions
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Obtain alum from the spice section at your local supermarket. It is also sometimes called aluminum potassium sulfate.
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Clean an old jelly jar. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
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Add 1/2 cup of tap water to a medium-sized sauce pan over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp. of alum. Allow the mixture constantly heat until it reaches a simmer. Stir the mixture with the handle of a wooden spoon. Stir in a circular pattern until the alum has dissolved. You can check your progress by removing the spoon and since you went in a circular pattern when stirring, any undissolved alum will be pulled to the center of the pan.
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Remove the pan from the heat and pour the liquid into your jelly jar. If you prefer to use a glass instead, omit step two. Use care when transferring the hot mixture into the jelly jar. Pour it slowly to be sure that the liquid goes into the jar only and not onto your hand. It is a good idea to wear an oven mitt to help protect yourself from spills, as well as to protect your hand when transferring the hot jelly jar to a new location.
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Place the jar on a counter or other surface where it will not be disturbed. Leave the glass for 24 hours and then observe the crystals on the bottom of the jelly jar. There will be hundreds of smaller crystals. If you would like fewer, but larger, crystals place the jelly jar inside an insulated cooler and shut the lid. Allow the cooler to remain undisturbed. Check the cooler in 24 hours to see your larger crystals. Since the cooler allows the mixture to cool more slowly, larger crystals can form.
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