Expand your own geological collections by growing crystals at home or in the classroom. This fun activity originally appeared as part of the Henry Ward’s Adventures in Science series developed for Ward’s Homeschool and is also available in PDF format.
At Home Science Adventure
Expand your own geological collections by growing crystals at home.
You will need:
- Three dry sponges
- Aluminum cake or pie pan
- Glass measuring cup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup table salt
- 1/4 cup laundry bluing
- 2 Tbsp. household ammonia
- Mixing bowl
- Metal spoon
- Blue and green food coloring
Safety Tips:
Avoid prolonged contact with the ammonia to avoid breathing in excess vapors.
Experiment Steps:
- Place the sponges inside the aluminum pan.
- Mix together salt, water, bluing, and ammonia in a bowl; then pour mixture over sponges, spreading evenly.
- Add food coloring randomly on sponges and let sit until you see results.
Explanation:
Growing your own crystal garden can take from hours to days, but you will eventually see these crystals appear and grow, teaching your child about the nature of this substance. Crystals are atoms or molecules joined together in a repeated pattern. They grow by adding molecules or atoms to all its sides in the same pattern as those added before. Examine your crystal garden for evidence of this scientific fact.
