Chemistry - Part 3 Growing Crystals

There are a few different ways to grow crystals that I know of, and I'm sure there are many more that I don't know of, but here is the least toxic way to grow them:

What You Need:

• Epsom or table salt
• a shallow pan to grow your crystals in (like a pie tin or rimmed cookie sheet)
• warm water
• dark paper and scissors

1. First select a warm, dry place to grow crystals (someplace that gets direct light is the best).
2. Use the scissors to cut dark paper in a way that it will fit in the bottom of the pan.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt to 1/4 cup warm water in a separate container. Stir until the salt is dissolved.
4. Put the paper in your selected container and pour the salt solution over it.
5. Put the container in a warm, sunny location. As the water evaporates, your crystals will begin to form.
6. This experiment may take from as as little as a few hours to a few days, it depends on how warm it is and the rate of evaporation.

Side note: If you are looking to grow really spectacular crystals, you will want to use borax instead of Epsom Salt, and maybe add some food coloring to get beautiful, colored crystals.

Ok, well that's it for now, I need to go teach the kiddies :-). Stay tuned for part 4- volcano experiments