Grow Rock Candy Crystal Science Experiment
- Materials: Sugar Water Measuring cups Clean glass jar ...
- Instructions: Tie a piece of the string to the center of the popsicle stick. Lay the popsicle stick across the top of the jar. ...
- Make This A Science Project: CAUTION: Do not eat – experiment making different solutions and record the rate at which crystals forms. Some ideas to test would be Epsom salts, Borax, and salt. ...
Full Answer
How do you grow rock candy sugar crystals?
In this science fair project you will make a saturated solution of sugar and water in order to grow your own rock candy sugar crystals. You will compare the rate of growth between rock candy that is left to nucleate on its own in the solution, and rock candy that starts off with some assistance.
How to make a science fair project out of string?
To start this science fair project, cut two pieces of yarn. Each piece should be approximately 1 inch longer than the height of the glass jars. Set one of the pieces of string aside and do nothing to it. Soak the other piece of string in a cup of water for 5 minutes. After soaking, use your hand to squeeze the excess water from the string.
What is a rock candy science project?
Rock Candy Science Project. Rock candy is a delicious treat which can teach students about the science principle of how crystals form. Rock candy projects take about 10 days from start to finish, and can be done either in class or as a take-home assignment where students observe the project at home.
How do you make a rock candy skewer with clothespin?
Attach the clothespin to your skewer and gently lower it into your sugar solution. The clothespin should span the top of the glass to hold the skewer. 5. Let your project rest for the next three to seven days. When you return, you should have a beautiful rock candy skewer.
How to make rock candy?
How long does it take to make rock candy?
How do rock candy crystals grow?
How do crystals form?
How to teach students about the scientific method?
How to make a jar of sugar?
Why do sugar crystals grow faster?
See 4 more
About this website
How do you make rock candy science?
InstructionsBring the water to a boil. ... Pour the sugar in to create a supersaturated solution. ... Let your solution cool down to room temperature. ... (Optional) Add color and flavoring. ... Wet your sticks. ... Dip the wet ends of your chopsticks in sugar. ... Let the chopsticks dry for a couple minutes. ... Prep your mason jars.More items...•
What are 3 things needed to carry out the experiment to make rock candy?
Equipment Needed Granulated Sugar (for 5 sticks of candy, you'll need 10 cups) Water. Food coloring (if you want to add color to your candy) Mason jars or other receptacles to hold sugar solution.
How do you make rock candy stems?
InstructionsDip wooden sticks into water and then roll in sugar. ... Add sugar and water into a large pot. ... Stir the sugar water constantly, bringing to a boil over medium heat. ... Allow for the solution to rest for 20 minutes.Pour the solution into a mason jar.Place a popsicle stick over the mouth of the jar.More items...
How do you make rock candy for kids?
0:314:47Make Your Own Rock Candy! | The Science of Cooking! | SciShow KidsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe need a jar or glass a spoon a clean wooden chopstick a clothespin one cup or about 240MoreWe need a jar or glass a spoon a clean wooden chopstick a clothespin one cup or about 240 milliliters of water 3 cups or 600 grams of sugar.
How do you make rock candy in a classroom?
0:512:15How to Make Rock Candy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce the water is boiling carefully add one cup of sugar stirring until it's completely dissolvedMoreOnce the water is boiling carefully add one cup of sugar stirring until it's completely dissolved continue adding one cup of sugar at a time until you get all six cups of sugar.
What kind of solution is used to make rock candy?
A supersaturated solution is unstable—it contains more solute (in this case, sugar) than can stay in solution—so as the temperature decreases, the sugar comes out of the solution, forming crystals. The lower the temperature, the more molecules join the sugar crystals, and that is how rock candy is created.
How do you make rock candy without boiling water?
If you don't have access to a stove, you can use a microwave instead. Combine the sugar and water in a microwave-safe glass and heat it for two minutes on high. Stir the sugar water and microwave for another 2 minutes. Stir the mixture a third time and the sugar should dissolve almost entirely into the water.
How do you make crystal sticks?
1:304:25DIY: How to make Rock Candy | Crystal Sticks | Gift Ideas - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI let it jars cool down a little bit longer until the glass that you feel so hot after that slowlyMoreI let it jars cool down a little bit longer until the glass that you feel so hot after that slowly insert your sugared skewers into the solution I use two clothespins to keep the sticks in place.
What makes rock candy grow?
As the water evaporates, the solution becomes more saturated and sugar molecules will continue to come out of the solution and collect on the seed crystals on the string. The rock candy crystals grow molecule by molecule.
Can you make rock candy in plastic cups?
If you don't have mason jars: Water glasses or even plastic cups will do the trick as long as they're large enough to suspend the skewers. If your rock candy is stuck to the jar: Simply pop the jar in warm water for a couple of minutes. This should soften the sugar enough that you can ease your rock candy out.
How is rock sugar made?
Rock sugar, also known as rock candy or sugar candy, is a hard confection made by cooling sugar syrup into large crystals, sometimes around a stick or piece of string. It can be made with different types of sugar, including white granulated sugar, sugar cane, and brown sugar.
Can you make rock candy with straws?
Choose what you want your rock candy to “grow” on. If you're making straws, go ahead and place a cocktail pick inside the straws (to prevent the sugar crystals from blocking the straw). Otherwise, you can use a piece of string or wood, or just a cocktail pick on its own.
How do you make a sugar crystal experiment?
Wet your string and dip it into sugar so that a few crystals cling to the string. This will give your candy a place to start growing. 2) Put three cups of sugar in the pan and add 1 cup of water. It will seem like there is too much sugar/not enough water, but it will be ok!
How do you make rock candy without boiling water?
If you don't have access to a stove, you can use a microwave instead. Combine the sugar and water in a microwave-safe glass and heat it for two minutes on high. Stir the sugar water and microwave for another 2 minutes. Stir the mixture a third time and the sugar should dissolve almost entirely into the water.
How much does rock candy weigh?
gram192kilogram0.19milligram192 000ounce6.77pound0.42
Can you use Kool Aid to flavor rock candy?
Preparing the Jars While the water is cooling you can prepare your glass jars. Pour one packet of Kool-aid into each jar, using one jar for each color/flavor of rock candy that you wish to make. Kool-aid is fully dissolved.
Grow Rock Candy Crystal Science Experiment - Science Fun
In this fun and easy crystal science experiment, we’re going to grow rock candy crystals. Note: Since hot water in involved, please insure adult supervision is utilized. Materials: Sugar Water Measuring cups Clean glass jar Butter knife or popsicle stick Rough string or yarn Microwave safe container Spoon Wax paper Food coloring Instructions: Tie a piece of the string…Read More
Growing Rock Candy Crystals | Science Project
In this science fair project you will make a saturated solution of sugar and water in order to grow your own rock candy sugar crystals. You will compare the rate of growth between rock candy that is left to nucleate on its own in the solution, and rock candy that starts off with some assistance.
How to make rock candy with food coloring?
3. Pour the solution into your glass. Add several drops of food coloring if you want your rock candy to have color. 4. Attach the clothespin to your skewer and gently lower it into your sugar solution. The clothespin should span the top of the glass to hold the skewer. Rock candy setup. 5.
How to make a sugar solution?
Now you'll prepare your sugar solution. Bring your two cups of water to boil in a pot on the stove. Once the water is boiling, turn the heat down and add one cup of sugar. Stir with your spoon until the sugar is dissolved. Add the next cup of sugar after the first cup has dissolved.
Can you make rock candy with supersaturated solution?
Today, we'll learn how to make rock candy from a supersaturated solution. When you're done, you'll not only have a tasty treat, but will also have a better understanding of solutions in chemistry.
How long does it take to make rock candy?
Rock candy can take weeks to make. Sugar crystals are some of the slowest crystals to form. However, there is a way to speed up the process. Using an extra super-saturated solution and heating the sugar to just below the soft candy stage will produce rock candy in a fraction of the time- in just 1-2 days!
How to make seed crystals?
Make seed crystals by dipping your coffee stirrers into water and then dipping them into sugar. Let these completely dry before you add the sugar solution.
How to suspend coffee stirrers?
Suspend the sugared coffee stirrers in the middle of the sugar solution with a clothespin. Lay the clothespin across the top of the jars to hold the coffee stirrers in place.
How long does it take for sugar to form on a stick?
Wait 24-48 hours for the sugar crystals to form on the sticks. A couple of times a day, move the sticks up and down vertically so that they don’t stick to the bottom of the jar and to break up any crust that forms on the surface of the sugar solution.
Why do sugar crystals form faster than other crystals?
The reason these sugar crystals form faster than some recipes is because we made a supersatrated solution with sugar. This speeds up the time it takes the crystals to form.
How to grow rock candy?
10. Cover your jars with paper towels. This is just to make sure nothing funky falls into your jar and gets fossilized in the sugar. Fold the paper towel in two and, using scissors, make a small cut in the center to put the chopstick through. 11. Wait. Growing rock candy is a slow process.
How long does it take for rock candy to grow?
Growing rock candy is a slow process. You’ll start to see some crystals by day two, but they will reach their peak growth after two weeks. 12. Get your candy. Whenever you’re satisfied with the size of your rock candy, feel free to release it.
How to get candy out of mason jar?
Put one chopstick in each mason jar. The sugar-covered end should be totally submerged. Hold the clean end with your fingers and make sure the stick doesn’t touch the bottom or the walls of the jar. If it does, crystals will grow between the wood and the glass and good luck trying to get your candy out later.
How to make a mason jar with chopsticks?
Wet your sticks. Separate your chopsticks and put them in a glass of water. How deep you’ll need to submerge them will depend on the size of your mason jars and the amount of solution you made. For 12-ounce jars, dunk your chopsticks up to a third of their length.
How many ounces of mason jars are in a mason jar?
2 (12-ounce) mason jars (or any heat-proof glass container with a similarly wide opening)
Is rock candy easy?
This project is no exception. Making rock candy is easy—it only requires sugar, water, and patience. But if you don’t get your proportions right, you’ll be stuck waiting for crystals to form until the end of time. And that’s just sad.
Is cooking a science?
Any chef would agree that cooking is basically applied science and, unless you are an actual scientist working from home, your kitchen is the closest thing you’ve got to a lab. Following a recipe is essentially the same as running an experiment, and the best part is that you get to eat the delicious result.
How to make yarn out of sugar?
Pour the sugar solution into the glass jar. Avoid pouring any undissolved sugar into the jar. Place the pencil or butter knife carefully over the glass jar allowing the yarn to dangle in the solution. Set the jar in a place it will remain undisturbed.
How to make a sandbox?
To get started you will need: 1 Yarn 2 Pencil or Butter Knife 3 Clean glass jar 4 Pan for boiling 5 Spoon 6 1 cup of water 7 3 cups of sugar 8 An Adult
How to keep crystals from growing in jars?
Set the jar in a place it will remain undisturbed. Place a paper towel over the top of the jar to prevent any dust falling into the liquid. Check on your crystals in 24 hours. You should see the beginnings of crystal growth on the string of yarn.
How long does it take for sugar crystals to grow?
The process of growing sugar crystals can take several days to a week.
Can crystals grow on undissolved sugar?
If your solution is not saturated the crystals will not grow quickly but if your solution has too much sugar, crystals will grow on the undissolved sugar instead of the yarn. If you want colored rock candy add a drop or two of food coloring. Pour the sugar solution into the glass jar.
How is rock candy made?
Have you ever looked at rock candy and wondered how it's made? Rock candy is actually a collection of large sugar crystals that are "grown" from a sugar-water solution. Sugar, like many other materials, can come in many different physical states. As a solid it can either be amorphous, without shape, like when it forms cotton candy, or crystalline, with a highly ordered structure and shape, like when it forms rock candy crystals.
How to make rock candy with seeded string?
It is ready to be used to make rock candy. Lower the weighted end of the seeded string into one of the jars and rest the skewer across the mouth of the jar. Roll the skewer to wind the string until the weight is suspended approximately 1 centimeter (cm) from the bottom of the jar, which you can measure with your ruler.
How to tell if a string has sugar on it?
Using a marker, color the edges of the skewer that is holding the seeded string. That way you will know later which string had sugar on it. Make sure to write down in your lab notebook the marking of your seeded string skewer in case you forget later.
What kind of rock grows?
Here is a riddle for you: what kind of rock grows? The answer is: rock candy! This delicious candy is actually crystallized sugar and you can "grow" it from a sugar-water solution. In this science fair project you'll learn how to grow your very own rock candy and determine if using seed crystals changes the growth rate of your sugar crystals.
How to make a sugar water solution?
Mix with a wooden mixing spoon until all the sugar has dissolved. Turn the heat back up and wait until the sugar-water solution returns to a rolling boil. Make sure to keep stirring so the temperature is consistent throughout the solution. Remove the boiling sugar-water solution from the stove.
How long does it take for sugar to cool?
After the last bit of sugar has been dissolved, allow the solution to cool for 5 minutes.
What is the liquid in rock candy?
In the rock candy, the liquid is water and the compound is sugar. A solution is saturated when the liquid holds as much of the compound dissolved in it as possible. For example, when making rock candy, you dissolve as much sugar as possible in water to make a saturated solution. If you add more compound than can dissolve in the liquid, ...
How to make rock candy?
For each rock candy specimen you will need two cups of boiling water and four cups of sugar. While on medium heat, stir in the sugar until it has completely dissolved and returned to a rolling boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the sugar mixture into a glass jar. Cut a piece of cotton string about the size of the glass jar; tie a washer to one end and a pencil to the other end. Dip the string into the sugar mixture until fully saturated; set aside on a piece of wax paper for a few days. Cover the jar with a piece of wax paper.
How long does it take to make rock candy?
Rock candy is a delicious treat which can teach students about the science principle of how crystals form. Rock candy projects take about 10 days from start to finish, and can be done either in class or as a take-home assignment where students observe the project at home. Conclude the project by allowing students to show-off their individual ...
How do rock candy crystals grow?
Evaporation occurs over time when the water leaves the solution. In this method the rock candy crystals grow molecule by molecule. According to Exploratorium, after the crystals have grown for a week there will be about a quadrillion crystal molecules attached to the string.
How do crystals form?
According to Exploratorium, crystals can form in two ways—precipitation or evaporation. Supersaturated sugar solutions contain more sugar than liquid. As the solution cools the sugar forms on the string and precipitates, attaching to the string. Evaporation occurs over time when the water leaves the solution.
How to teach students about the scientific method?
Encourage students to conduct background research on crystal formation and then construct a hypothesis. Perform the experiment and retest with alterations. Allow students to analyze the results and conclude whether or not their hypothesis was correct. Once the project has been completed, allow students to record their results in written projects, display boards or oral reports.
How to make a jar of sugar?
Cut a piece of cotton string about the size of the glass jar; tie a washer to one end and a pencil to the other end. Dip the string into the sugar mixture until fully saturated; set aside on a piece of wax paper for a few days. Cover the jar with a piece of wax paper.
Why do sugar crystals grow faster?
According to Exploratorium, crystals grow quicker in places where a crystal has already formed. As the water evaporates from the dipped string, small sugar crystals, also known as “seed crystals” are left behind on the string. The seed crystals encourage the growth of more crystals, and will continue growing until the string is removed from the sugar solution and rinsed with water.
