How to Make Borax Crystal Snowflakes

Make Borax crystal snowflakes in a jar.

Share a fascinating chemical process with your children by showing them how to make Borax crystal snowflakes. Children of all ages will react with amazement when you demonstrate how to make beautiful crystal-like snowflakes using basic household items. Gather the ingredients and get to work creating snowflakes that will form overnight as the children sleep. When they wake in the morning, the snowflakes will be full of lovely crystals resembling real snowflakes.

Things You'll Need

• White chenille stems
• White string
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Glass quart-size jar (wide mouth)
• Water
• Saucepan
• Spoon
• Borax
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Create the snowflake shape using the chenille stems. Twist two chenille stems together in an "X" shape. Twist two more chenille stems together in another "X" shape. Twist the two "X's" together to make a snowflake with eight points.

2. Cut the ends of the chenille stems off so the entire snowflake will fit inside the glass jar.

3. Tie a piece of string around one of the chenille stem points approximately 1 inch from the end of the chenille stem. Pull the string around to each chenille stem and tie it around each stem until you reach the starting point. Tie the string again to the chenille stem. Extend the string from the knot approximately 6 inches and cut off the string with the scissors.

4. Tie the end of the string to the center point of a pencil so the distance between the pencil and the snowflake is approximately 2 to 3 inches. Set the snowflake aside momentarily.

5. Pour 4 cups of water into the saucepan and bring it to a boil. Pour the water into the jar.

6. Measure and add 12 tablespoons of Borax to the hot water and stir the Borax and water mixture well. The Borax will accumulate in the bottom of the jar.

7. Position the snowflake in the jar beneath the water. Set the pencil across the top of the jar to suspend the snowflake in place.

8. Set the jar aside for approximately 12 hours. After the time elapses, remove the snowflake from the jar and, behold, the crystals formed on the chenille stems and string. Hang the snowflake to display it.

References

• Creative Kids at Home: Crystal Snowflakes