четверг, 11 декабря 2014 г.

Crystal Candy Canes Christmas Science Experiment

Crystal Candy Canes Christmas Science Experiment
Crystal Candy Canes Christmas Science Experiment

crystal-candy-canes

This is such a simple science activity to set up and enjoy with minimum amount of supplies. We have grown crystals on quite a few things including seashells {must see!} and eggshells. We have also used pipe cleaners to make crystal snowflakes, crystal hearts, and a crystal rainbow. Any shape you can bend a pipe cleaner into works for growing crystals. Since we are approaching Christmas here, why not try making crystal candy canes!


Christmas Science Crystal candy Canes Supplies

SUPPLIES


  • Borax {found in laundry detergent aisle}. You can also use it to make slime too.
  • Water
  • Small mason jars, a wide mouth is preferable.
  • Pan, spoon, cup and tablespoon measure

SCIENCE


I found a helpful article over at Steve Spangler Science that will go into the science behind the crystal candy canes. It’s a neat concept involving liquids and solids and states of matter. Because there are still solid particles within the liquid mixture, if let untouched, those particles will settle. Here they settle on the pie cleaner candy cane as well as the mason jar itself. If you have a lesson in this, crystal candy canes would be a perfect hands-on learning activity!


HOW TO


To fill three small mason jars, I used 6 cups of water and 18 tablespoons of borax. This filled three small mason jars perfectly. I also tried out making large candy canes, but as you can imagine this took a long time as each jar needed at least 4 cups!


Your best bet is to cut your pipe cleaners in half and make small candy canes! We twisted different combinations of green, white, and red pipe cleaners together to make our candy canes.


You will use the popsicle sticks to change the pipe cleaner candy canes from. You don’t want the candy cane to touch the sides or bottom. It will stick and grow crystals!


Setting up sticks for making crytsal candy canes

Boil your water, turn off heat, add borax, and stir to mix as it won’t completely dissolve. Pour into jars and place in an area where they won’t get knocked around. I was daring and just left them on the kitchen counter.


In a few hours you will see crystals beginning to grow {all about suspension science!} and by the next morning {18-24hours}, your crystal candy canes will be covered in cool looking crystals. The crystals are quite hardy!


Crystal candy cane after 24 hours

Take them out and place on paper towels to dry a bit. They are neither fragile nor overly sturdy, but my son can handle them with 6 year old hands and they hold up nicely. Grab a magnifying glass to check out your crystal candy canes!


NOTE: We have had several candy canes last till next season! I couldn’t believe it when I unwrapped them.


All our crystal candy canes finished growing crystals!


Crystal candy canes suspension science experiment

CONTENT SUBSCRIBE BAR

Check out the faces of the crystals! These ornaments look so pretty hanging in the window! They also make a great Christmas tree decoration. Add a piece of string and use them to decorate for the holidays.


Crystal candy canes using red and green pipe cleaners

Science is cool. Christmas science is even cooler. Explore chemistry this holiday season.


LEARN HOW TO GROW YOUR OWN CRYSTAL CANDY CANES


Follow along with our 25 Days of Christmas STEM Countdown Calendar activities!


11

Check out our STEM countdown filled with fun activities and experiments!


Christmas STEM Countdown Activities for Kids

10 Christmas Science Experiments for Kids

Some of our favorite STEM tools at home! Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: I receive compensation for any items sold through this site. Our ideas are always free to enjoy and try at school or home.


Original article and pictures take http://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/christmas-crystal-candy-canes-science-activity/ site


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