Ingredients
- Borax
- Water
- Heat-resistant container
- String
- Pencil or stick for suspension
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the water. Heat the water and place it in a heat-resistant container. Handle the hot water carefully, and keep children and pets away from the work area.
- Dissolve the Borax. Add Borax to the boiling water while stirring. Continue stirring until it dissolves completely.
- Add color if you like. Stir food coloring into the solution if you want tinted crystals. Start with a small amount, since you can add more color if desired.
- Prepare the suspension. Tie one end of the string to a pencil or stick. Rest the pencil or stick across the container so the string hangs down into the solution. Adjust the length so the string does not touch the bottom.
- Let the solution cool undisturbed. Leave the container in a safe place and allow the solution to cool. Give the crystals time to form overnight.
- Remove and display the crystals. Once the crystals have formed, carefully lift the string out of the solution. Let excess liquid drain back into the container, then place the crystals somewhere safe to dry.
Notes
Because this activity uses boiling water and Borax, adult supervision is important, especially when children are involved. Do not taste the solution or crystals, and wash hands after handling the materials. Keep the solution and finished crystals out of reach of young children and pets.
