: DIY Crystal Garden

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Ages: 8-12

Objective: Engage children in a fun and educational activity to learn about crystal formation and supersaturated solutions by creating their own crystal garden using common household materials.

Materials Needed:

  1. Wide-mouthed glass or plastic container
  2. String, yarn, or pipe cleaners
  3. Borax powder (available in the laundry section of most stores)
  4. Boiling water
  5. Pencil or stick
  6. Food coloring (optional)
  7. Protective gloves (to handle hot water)

Procedure:

  1. Prepare the crystal-growing solution by mixing hot water and borax powder in the glass or plastic container. Use approximately 3 tablespoons of borax powder for every cup of boiling water. Stir until the borax powder is completely dissolved.

  2. Optional: Add a few drops of food coloring to the solution to create colored crystals.

  3. Cut a piece of string, yarn, or pipe cleaner to the desired length for hanging crystals. Tie one end securely to a pencil or stick.

  4. Submerge the string or pipe cleaner into the borax solution, ensuring that it is fully saturated. Hang the string over the rim of the container so that the pencil or stick rests on top and the string hangs freely in the solution.

  5. Place the container in a safe location where it won't be disturbed. Allow the crystals to grow undisturbed for 24-48 hours. During this time, crystals will form on the string as the borax solution cools and evaporates.

  6. After the desired crystal growth period, carefully remove the crystal-covered string from the container. Allow any excess solution to drip off before handling.

  7. Display the crystal garden by hanging the crystal-covered string in a sunny window or arranging it in a decorative vase.

Explanation:

  • Crystals form when atoms or molecules arrange themselves in an orderly, repeating pattern.
  • In this experiment, the borax powder dissolves in hot water to create a supersaturated solution. As the solution cools and evaporates, the borax molecules come out of solution and form crystals on the string.

Extensions:

  1. Experiment with different concentrations of borax solution to observe how it affects crystal growth.
  2. Discuss with children the science behind supersaturated solutions and crystal formation.
  3. Encourage children to hypothesize what might happen if they change the temperature or duration of crystal growth.
  4. Explore different methods of growing crystals, such as using sugar, salt, or alum instead of borax.
  5. Challenge kids to research different types of crystals and their properties, such as shape, color, and hardness.

Safety Note:

  • Supervise children closely during the experiment, especially when handling hot water and borax powder. Remind them not to ingest any of the substances used.

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