Rock Candy Science

photo via math and reading help 

Rock Candy Recipe, fun to watch and even more fun to eat! Below are two ways to create crystal candy!

Method 1 - Science Bob

materials:

1 cup water

2-3 cups sugar

wooden skewer or chopstick

clothespin

jar or tall glass

1. Pour 1 cup of water into a pot and bring to a boil

2. Add 1/4 cup of sugar and stir until dissolved

3. Slowly add more sugar and stir until dissolved

4. Remove from heat and let cool for 20 minutes

Optional - Divide solution into different bowls (the number of bowls depends on how many colors you would like). Add food coloring to each bowl (you can add flavoring as well if desired)

Optional - Dip half of skewer into the warm sugar solution and coat with granulated sugar (let it cool completely so the sugar is adhered)

5. Pour solution into your jar almost to the top

6. Dip the skewer into the jar straight down the middle (not touching the sides). The skewer should be 1 inch from the bottom of the jar

7. Clamp the clothespin on the skewer horizontal, so it lays on top of the jar to balance the skewer.

7. Let the jar cool and place in a safe spot

Watch the crystals grow!

Method 2

Note: Instead of using a skewer and clothespin, you can also try this method:

- While sugar solution is cooling, take a pencil and tie cotton string to the center of it 
- Dampen the string with your sugar solution, then dip in regular sugar (let dry)

- Pour sugar solution into your jar, suspend the string into the jar, and let the pencil lay flat on top

- Cover the jar with a paper towel to keep it clean

- Allow your crystals to grow 3-7 days