Make Your Own Home Grown Crystals

Young science lovers will enjoy this easy, hands-on experiment.

Ages

6-7

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Making beautiful crystals at home is easy with just a few everyday household items. Try this fun science-based activity with your children — just wait for a bright day, since sunshine is a key element to growing crystals. 

What You Need

  • Black, dark blue, or dark purple construction paper
  • Small foil pie or brownie pan
  • Scissors
  • Epsom salt
  • Warm water
  • A bright, sunny day
  • Magnifying glass or microscope (optional)

What to Do

  1. Cut a piece of construction paper to fit at the bottom of your foil pan.
  2. Dissolve one tablespoon of Epsom salts into 1/4 cup of warm water.
  3. Pour the salt water into the pan lined with the paper.
  4. Place the pan outside in a sunny spot.
  5. Once all of the water has evaporated, you'll see small crystal growths on the paper!
  6. If you happen to have a magnifying glass or microscope, observe the formations a bit closer. Crystal cool!

Learning Benefits

  • reinforces science concepts
Science & Nature Activities
Observation
Following Directions
Cooperation
Experimentation
Age 7
Age 6
Science Experiments and Projects
Rocks, Soil, Minerals
Early Science