Science Fair Projects on Growing Crystals

Science fair projects on growing crystals can be used as both a class demonstration and as science fair projects. Chemistry science experiments that grow crystals are typically done in the classroom when the class is studying solutions, crystallization or evaporation. However, students interested in interesting science fair projects can take the basic crytal growing projects done in class to the next level and create award winning projects.

One of the most frequently done science fair projects on growing crystals is the borax crytal project. In this experiment students dissolve borax in boiling water and then saturate a string or pipe cleaner frame in the solution. They then leave their project overnight and crystals grow. This is a popular experiment because the crystals grow quickly.

Another option for basic science fair projects on growing crystals is to create salt crystals. To grow salt crystals all you do is create a salt solution add it to a crystal growing medium, like terra cotta and wait for the crystals to grow. Salt crystals grow slower than borax crystals, but salt crystals ten to be larger. This is a very basic project that students of all ages can complete.

Your third option is to create sugar crystals. You will use the same basic steps to create sugar crystals as you took to create both borax and salt crystals. Start by boiling water and dissolving your sugar in the water. Then pour the solution into a dish and place a crystal growing medium like terra cotta on the bottom of the dish. This medium will provide the sugar crystals with a place to grow.

Now that you know how to use chemistry science fair projects to grow crystals, you can develop more advanced projects. One way to add a new dimension to your crystals is to color them. Coloring borax, salt and sugar crystals is easy to do. All you have to do is add food coloring to your crystal solutions. If you are growing a variety of crystals consider coloring each type of crystal a different color.

Another way you can add a new dimension to your crystal projects is to add shapes to your crystal clusters. There are a couple of ways to do this. The first way is to create a Chia Pet crystal foundation. To do this you will simply use a terra cotta shard or sculpture to grow your crystal clusters on. Your second option is to use pipe cleaners to create a structural frame for your crystals to grow on. You can design crystal snowflakes, holiday shapes or even buildings.