Create Stunning Candy Cane Ornaments & Learn Crystal Growth This Holiday
Get ready for a festive and educational activity this holiday season! Kids can create stunning candy cane ornaments while learning about crystal growth. This fun experiment, part of the '25 Days of Christmas STEM Activities' series, involves a simple process of dissolving borax in water and watching sparkling crystals form on candy canes made from pipe cleaners.
To start, you'll need borax powder, water, mason jars, pipe cleaners, and popsicle sticks. First, create your candy canes by twisting pipe cleaners into shape. Then, make a borax solution by dissolving the powder in boiled water and pouring it into the mason jars. Place the candy canes into the solution using the popsicle sticks. Within a few hours, you'll begin to see crystals forming on the candy canes. These crystals will become sturdy within 18-24 hours.
The science behind this activity is based on a saturated solution. When the borax solution cools, it can no longer hold all the borax in solution, so it deposits crystals onto the candy canes. Kids can extend this activity by growing salt crystals or comparing crystal formation in different containers. Glass jars often lead to larger, more durable crystals.
This activity not only results in beautiful candy cane ornaments but also teaches kids about the scientific principle of crystallization. It's a wonderful way to combine holiday fun with hands-on science learning. So, grab your supplies and let the crystal-growing fun begin!
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