Crystal Growing Science Projects
Children enjoy science experiments that allow them to create something new or watch something dramatic happen. Experiments help students learn how certain compounds and processes work. Some crystal growing experiments allow students to watch crystals form over time and understand how they form naturally. Other crystal experiments may allow students to watch crystals grow almost instantly.
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Sodium Acetate Crystals
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Sodium acetate trihydrate is the chemical inside old-style hand warmers. Crystals made with this substance will also put out heat, an exothermic reaction. In a pyrex container, stir 160 grams of sodium acetate into 30 ml of water. Heat the solution slowly, continually stirring, until all of the substance dissolves. Squirt a little water into the container to wash the excess off the sides and into the solution. Remove the container from heat and cover it. Allow the solution to cool without being disturbed.
When the solution is cool, remove the cover and drop just a couple of crystals into the solutions. The crystals will cause the solution to rapidly and completely turn crystalline and produce heat. You can also drop a few crystals onto a plate and slowly pour the solution over the crystals. The solution will crystallize as you pour.
Keep your hands out of the solution and don't get it into your eyes. This isn't safe to eat. Adult supervision is advised for children under 10.
Rock Candy Crystals
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Fill a one-quart saucepan three-quarters of the way full of water. Heat the water to boiling and pour into a 40 oz. jar. Add sugar until no more sugar will dissolve. Add a drop of food coloring to the solution. Suspend three thick cotton strings inside the jar, being careful not to touch the sides or bottom of the jar with the strings. Cover the jar. Allow the strings to hang in the jar for several days, allowing the crystals to form around the string. These crystals are safe to eat.
If there is solution remaining after your three crystal strings are fully covered, reheat the solution in the microwave and stir the solution. Suspend more cotton string in the solution and repeat your wait time.
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Borax Crystals
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Borax, found in the laundry aisle of the grocery store, will grow crystals in about one hour. Heat one cup of water to boiling and pour into a wide-mouth jar. Stir in borax until no more will dissolve. Bend pipe cleaners into cool shapes and place a small bend at the top end. Lay a straw across the jar mouth and suspend the pipe cleaners in the water, making sure they don't touch the jar or each other.
Crystals will form as the liquid cools. When the water is room temperature, your crystals are done.
Keep the solution out of your eyes, but it is generally safe. Adult supervision may be helpful, but not required.
Epsom Salt Crystals
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Mix one-half cup Epsom salt with one-half cup very hot, but not boiling water in a narrow, deep bowl. Drop a bottle cap into the bowl, flat side facing down. Set the bowl in the refrigerator. Check in about three hours. Lift the bottle cap out with a pair of tweezers to examine your crystals.
This solution is generally safe, but best to keep out of eyes.
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References
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