Rainbow Sugar Crystal Eruption
A delightful and visually stunning craft that teaches about crystallization while creating vibrant sugar crystals.
Ingredients
For the sugar solution
- 2 cups Granulated sugar You'll need extra for the skewer coating.
- 1 cup Water For dissolving the sugar.
- various colors Food coloring Use multiple colors for a rainbow effect.
For setup
- 1 Clean glass jar or container To hold the sugar solution.
- 1 piece Wooden skewer or string Used to seed the sugar crystals.
- 1 unit Saucepan For heating the sugar solution.
- 1 unit Heat source To heat the sugar and water mixture.
- 1 set Measuring cups and spoons For accurate measurements.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a saucepan, mix 2 cups of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
Adding Color
- Remove the saucepan from heat once the sugar is dissolved.
- Divide the solution into separate containers if using multiple colors.
- Add food coloring to each solution, mixing until you achieve your desired hues.
Setting Up the Jar
- Pour the colored sugar solution into a clean glass jar, filling it about 2/3 full.
- Allow the solution to cool slightly.
Preparing the Crystals
- Dip a wooden skewer or piece of string into the solution, coating it with sugar.
- Place the skewer vertically into the jar, ensuring it doesn’t touch the sides.
Crystallization
- Cover the jar with a paper towel to keep dust out while allowing air circulation.
- Let the jar sit undisturbed in a warm, dry place for several days.
Enjoying Your Creations
- After about a week, carefully remove the skewers or strings.
- Rinse the crystals with cool water to remove any excess sugar and let them dry.
Notes
Customize colors using different food colorings, experiment with sugar types, and try different jar shapes for varied crystal formations.