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    Home » Holidays » Back to School

    How to Make Crystals {Science for Kids}

    Published: Jan 29, 2021 by Heidi. This post may contain affiliate links 27 Comments

    Have I got a cool project just for you!  Today, I'm teaching how to make crystals.  Get ready to wow your kiddos with this fun science experiment that's perfect for kids!

    How to Make Crystals -- Science for Kids! {Wow your kids when you create crystals together!} OneCreativeMommy.com

    Last week, my oldest had a friend over, and they were BORED!  I invited them flip through a book of science experiments, and they chose one on how to make crystals.  My youngest quickly got involved, too.  (I mean, really . . . who can resist crystals?)

    This project is sooo easy, and you only need a few things that you probably have already.

    How to Make Crystals -- Science for Kids! {Wow your kids when you create crystals together!} OneCreativeMommy.com

    RELATED:  40+ Crafts to Make with Your Kids, Splash Art

    How to Make Crystals

    Ready to get started.  Check your cupboard.  I bet you probably have most of these supplies on hand.

    Materials:
    • Pipe Cleaners (also called Chenille Stems)
    • Borax Laundry Booster
    • Food Coloring (optional)
    • Water
    • A large jar (or jars)
    • String or thread
    • Pencils or pens
    Directions:

    how-to-make-crystals-1

    1. Boil enough water to fill all of your jars at least half way.  (We used three jars so that we could try out three different colors.)  Carefully pour the water into the jars.
    2. Optional--Add a few drops of food coloring to each jar.  (We used blue, green, and purple.)
    3. Add borax to the jars (about ¼ cup at a time) until the borax no longer dissolves.  Stir in the borax each time you add more.
    4. Bend the pipe cleaners into fun shapes.  The shape must fit completely under the water without touching the bottom of the jar.  If the pipe cleaner touches the bottom or side of the jar, the crystals that form on the bottom and sides of the jar will attach the pipe cleaner and trap it in the jar.  (We learned that the hard way!  We had to pry some shapes out with a knife.)  You can put more than one shape in a jar, but they should not touch each other, or they will stick together.
    5. Tie each shape to a string.  One end of the string will attach to the shape, and the other will attach to the end of a pencil or pen.  Adjust the length of the string so that the shape does not touch the bottom of the jar.
    6. Immerse your shapes into the water in the jars, leaving the pencil or pen resting across the top of the jar.

    How to Make Crystals -- Science for Kids! {Project Setup} OneCreativeMommy.com

    1. Finally, set your jars somewhere where they won't be disturbed, and try to resist checking on them for 12 hours or so.  (We left ours overnight.)
    2. When the time is up, gently lift the pen or pencils and check out the magic!  (If your shape stuck to the bottom or the edge, carefully dump out the extra water and pry the shape out with a knife. Our "M" shape broke off the string and stuck to the bottom, but it still came out great.

    How to Make Crystals -- Science for Kids! {Wow your kids when you create crystals together!} OneCreativeMommy.com #crystals #scienceforkids

    You may get a bonus surprise.  When the string broke on the "M," the empty string was left dangling in the water.  Check out the beautiful crystals that formed on the string!  I think it just might be my favorite.

    How to Make Crystals -- Science for Kids! {Wow your kids when you create crystals together!} OneCreativeMommy.com #crystals #scienceforkids

    Thanks for stopping by today. You might like some of these ideas for kids, too. (Images below are linked to posts. Click on the image to visit the post.)

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    Heidi

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    About Heidi

    Hi! I’m Heidi, the sometimes scatterbrained, but always creative mind behind One Creative Mommy. I'm a retired teacher, wife, and mom of three beautiful teenage girls and one adorable fur baby. In my spare time, I love to share my ideas (mistakes and all) with anyone who will listen.

    Learn more about me →

    Comments

    1. Karen Ostrom

      July 31, 2014 at 5:52 am

      I've made both, I love churn ice cream with an old crank ice cream maker, and I've used an ice cream maker.

      My favorite is always vanilla because you can put so many other toppings on it

      Reply
      • Heidi Fowler

        July 31, 2014 at 8:10 pm

        I've never used an ice cream maker either, but it sure sounds convenient! Good luck!

        Reply
    2. Krista

      July 31, 2014 at 7:14 am

      Super fun! I can't wait to try these with my kiddos!

      Reply
      • Heidi Fowler

        July 31, 2014 at 8:11 pm

        I hope they like them, Krista! Mine sure had fun.

        Reply
    3. Marcy

      July 31, 2014 at 10:37 am

      I made ice cream as a kiddo with my parents. I've never used an old crank ice cream maker. I bet that would be fun. I would love to try this with my kids. My daughter actually asked for an ice cream maker for her birthday.

      Reply
      • Heidi Fowler

        July 31, 2014 at 8:11 pm

        Good luck, Marcy. It would be great if you could surprise her with this ice cream maker!

        Reply
    4. Christina @ It's a Keeper

      July 31, 2014 at 12:25 pm

      What a great project! I am going to have to try this with my son!

      Reply
      • Heidi Fowler

        July 31, 2014 at 8:12 pm

        Thanks, Christina. It sure is fun!

        Reply
    5. Sydney @ Tastefully Frugal

      July 31, 2014 at 12:29 pm

      This looks like such a cool project for kids! My boys will love doing this!!

      Reply
      • Heidi Fowler

        July 31, 2014 at 8:12 pm

        Thanks, Sydney. I love that there was a little science mixed in. I hope your boys love it.

        Reply
    6. Heather Hayes Panjon

      July 31, 2014 at 2:01 pm

      Yes, I've Made Ice Cream With A Ice Cream Maker When I Was A Child. Great Memories!

      Reply
      • Heidi Fowler

        July 31, 2014 at 8:13 pm

        Good luck in the giveaway, Heather. Thanks for entering!

        Reply
    7. Jamie @ Coffee With Us 3

      July 31, 2014 at 3:04 pm

      I've never made homemade ice cream, but I'd love to start!

      Reply
      • Heidi Fowler

        July 31, 2014 at 8:13 pm

        Good luck, Jamie! I'd love to start, too! It looks so fun to do it with the kids.

        Reply
    8. Kadie

      August 02, 2014 at 10:48 am

      When we made ice-cream at home it was in a plastic bag. We just kept moving it until it became ice-cream. But I would love to make a batch in something bigger and a little easier. :)

      Reply
      • Heidi

        August 04, 2014 at 3:14 pm

        I remember doing that at school, Kadie! Good luck in the giveaway!

        Reply
    9. Adrienne

      August 03, 2014 at 1:43 pm

      I have made ice cream in a machine and in a plastic bag.

      Reply
      • Heidi

        August 04, 2014 at 3:15 pm

        Thanks for entering, Adrienne. Good luck in the giveaway!

        Reply
    10. Adrienne

      August 03, 2014 at 1:44 pm

      I made ice cream with a machine and in a plastic bag

      Reply
    11. Jess

      August 04, 2014 at 8:56 pm

      What a neat thing to do with kids!

      Thanks for joining the Link Up this week!

      Reply
      • Heidi Fowler

        August 06, 2014 at 12:38 pm

        Thanks, Jess. It was really a fun project. (Now I have to find a place for the crystals! I'm thinking Christmas tree.)

        Reply
    12. Michelle from Weekend Craft

      August 06, 2014 at 7:27 am

      So fun! What a good mom. Thanks for stopping by Creative Spark Link Party last week. Be sure to stop by again today to link up! http://bit.ly/1kGF4f5

      Reply
      • Heidi Fowler

        August 06, 2014 at 12:39 pm

        Thanks so much, Michelle. I'm already linked up for the week!

        Reply
    13. Carie Spence

      August 06, 2014 at 10:33 am

      So cool! never seen a project like this for kids! Thank you for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest board.

      Reply
      • Heidi Fowler

        August 06, 2014 at 12:40 pm

        Thanks, Carie. It was a really fun project. Thanks so much for the great party and the pin!

        Reply
    14. Marilyn

      April 06, 2015 at 8:41 am

      I love science projects with kids....crystals are fun!

      Reply
    15. Diane

      April 06, 2015 at 10:50 am

      These are so cool. I love them!

      Reply

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    Hi! I’m Heidi, the sometimes scatterbrained, but always creative mind behind One Creative Mommy. I'm a retired teacher, wife, and mom of three beautiful teenage girls and one adorable fur baby. In my spare time, I love to share my ideas (mistakes and all) with anyone who will listen.

    More about me →

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