Crystal Growing Trees
A captivating hands-on activity that combines science and artistry by creating stunning crystalline structures that resemble miniature trees.
Ingredients
Materials
- 1 cup Borax (sodium tetraborate) A key ingredient for the crystal solution.
- 2 cups Water For creating the crystal solution.
- 2 each Pipe cleaners In your choice of color for shaping the tree.
- 1 each Glass jar or cup To hold the Borax solution.
- 1 each String For suspending the tree.
- 1 each Pencil or stick Used to balance the tree in the jar.
- 1 each Heat source For boiling water (e.g., stove or kettle).
- to taste Optional food coloring To create colored crystals.
Instructions
Preparing the Pipe Cleaner Trees
- Bend the pipe cleaners into tree shapes, with a trunk and branches.
- Tie a piece of string around the top of your tree to suspend it.
Making the Crystal Solution
- Heat about 2 cups of water until it’s boiling.
- Gradually add 1 cup of Borax to the boiling water, stirring continuously until fully dissolved.
- Stir in a few drops of food coloring if desired.
Growing the Crystals
- Carefully lower your pipe cleaner tree into the jar filled with Borax solution.
- Balance the pencil or stick across the top of the jar, keeping the tree suspended.
- Place the jar in a cool, undisturbed area to allow crystals to form.
Final Touches
- Observe the crystals grow over 12-24 hours.
- Once fully formed, gently remove the tree and let it dry on a paper towel.
Notes
Experiment with different colors and shapes of pipe cleaners. Adjust quantities based on how many trees you want to grow.