Science Fun

Grow Rock Candy Crystal Science Experiment

In this fun and easy crystal science experiment, we’re going to grow rock candy crystals.  

Note: Since hot water in involved, please insure adult supervision is utilized.

 

Materials:

  • Sugar
  • Water
  • Measuring cups
  • Clean glass jar
  • Butter knife or popsicle stick
  • Rough string or yarn
  • Microwave safe container
  • Spoon
  • Wax paper
  • Food coloring



Instructions:

  1. Tie a piece of the string to the center of the popsicle stick. Lay the popsicle stick across the top of the jar. Let the string hang down inside the jar. Make sure the string does not touch the side or bottom of the jar.
  2. Add three cups of sugar to the microwave safe container.
  3. Now add one cup of water to the sugar.
  4. Use the spoon to mix the sugar and water.
  5. With adult supervision, microwave the sugar and water mixture for two minutes.
  6. Have the adult remove the container and use the spoon to carefully stir the hot sugar water solution. Be careful to avoid splatters as the solution is very hot!
  7. Now have the adult microwave the solution for another two minutes.
  8. Have the adult carefully and gently stir the hot solution one more time.
  9. If you like, add several drops of food coloring at this time to give your candy some color.
  10. Carefully have the adult pour the sugar solution into the clean glass jar.
  11. Now dip the string into the solution for several moments and allow the string to absorb some of the sugar solution.
  12. Lay the string on the wax paper to dry. Be sure the strings lays perpendicular to the pencil and forms the shape of a T.
  13. Once dry, lower the string into the jar of sugar solution. The solution will have thickened so carefully work the string down into the solution.
  14. Place a paper towel over the top of the jar to keep out dust and debris and allow the string to remain in the solution for a week.
  15. Look at the string throughout the week and observe any changes.
  16. After a week, remove the string and enjoy your sugar rock crystal candy!


 

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How it Works:

The sugar dissolves in the heated water. As the solution cools, it becomes less able to hold the dissolved sugar. The sugar then clings to string and forms the rock candy crystals. 

 

Make This A Science Project:

CAUTION: Do not eat – experiment making different solutions and record the rate at which crystals forms. Some ideas to test would be Epsom salts, Borax, and salt. 

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