Experimenting with Crystal Formation in the Classroom

Creating Crystals is so much fun with students.  

The classic borax crystals form overnight.  Some crystals can take a whole week.  When counter space is limited it is nice to know that we only need the space for a day or two.  The supplies are inexpensive and easy to find.

Creating crystals is perfect for teaching about supersaturated solutions.  Students will create a supersaturated solution and then observe it coming out of the solution.

At Kimberly Scott Science we don't just make crystals we investigate them. 

This takes crystal creation up a notch.  Students learn even more when they change the type of water.  We like to test distilled water, mineral water, spring water, and tap water.  All have different qualities.  All will dissolve different amounts of borax when creating a supersaturated solution.  That will affect how large the crystals are at the end.  The difference may be small, so we calculate the mass of our crystals.

Students will follow the scientific method to discover which water makes the largest crystals.  In the end they will use their evidence to write a conclusion.  This is a great way to integrate CER.  They will enjoy analyzing the different waters to figure out what caused the difference.

It is also great for the holiday season.  

Instead of having it as a craft make it a STEAM activity.  Follow the journal, but shape the pipe cleaners into a candy cane, star, or object of choice.  Add some food coloring to make them colorful.  It becomes an ornament at the end.  This could be a gift or a keepsake.  Just remember that not all crystals will end up as big.  You may want to have a day where they choose the water they want for making a final crystal ornament so they get the best results.

Available in 3 Grade Levels

This investigation also makes a perfect science fair project.  Have a great time exploring crystal creation.