Looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your kids? Growing borax crystals is a fantastic science experiment that’s both easy and engaging. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your children to basic chemistry concepts.
The results were so beautiful and the kids were amazed! Using pipe cleaners and a Borax solution, you can easily grow your own crystals too.
What you need:
- Borax (you can find this at the laundry aisle at most grocery stores)
- Hot water (boiling works best – adult supervision is needed!)
- A jar or glass container (if you want to make more, multiple jars is recommended)
- Pipe cleaners in any color
- String
- Popsicle sticks or pencils or skewers
Instructions:
1. Shape the Pipe Cleaner:
Have your child shape a pipe cleaner into a fun design. Hearts, stars, and spirals are great choices. This will be the structure on which the crystals will form.
2. Attach the String:
Tie one end of a string to the top of the pipe cleaner shape and the other end to a pencil or stick. This will allow you to hang the pipe cleaner in the jar without it touching the sides or bottom.
3. Hang the Pipe Cleaner:
Help your child lower the pipe cleaner shape into the jar, hanging it from the pencil so that it does not touch the bottom or sides. Depending on the width of your jar, you can hang 2 on the same pencil/stick as long as they are not touching each other. (Try varying the heights)
4. Prepare the Borax Solution:
– Boil some water and mix in Borax (this part is for the grown-ups). For every 2 cups of hot water, stir in 3/4 cups of borax powder until it’s fully dissolved. Some undissolved powder at the bottom is okay
– Carefully pour the borax solution into the jars until the shape is fully submerged.
5. Wait and Observe:
Find a safe spot for the jar and leave it undisturbed. Check on it in a few hours or for best results, the next day, and you’ll see crystals beginning to form. The longer you leave it, the larger the crystals will grow.
6. Remove the Crystals:
After a day or two, or when the crystals are a size your child likes, carefully lift the pipe cleaner out of the jar and let it dry on a paper towel.
The Science Behind it:
Explain to your kids that when the borax is dissolved in hot water, it creates a solution. As the water cools, the borax begins to come out of the solution and attaches to the pipe cleaner, forming crystals. This process is called crystallization!
Display and Enjoy!
Once dry, your child can display their beautiful borax crystals in their room, use them as decorations, or even give them as gifts. This experiment not only provides a visual treat but also an opportunity to discuss science in a fun and hands-on way.
Happy experimenting, and enjoy this magical activity with your little ones!
