Introduction: Baking Soda Crystals

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About: Recently I read that there are over 60 million American households that participate in some form of crafting in a given year. Well, I am one of them . . . . . I love crafting !!! So please enjoy some of my c…

A popular science experiment for children and adults is growing crystals at home. This process can show how crystals form in nature. These beautiful crystals can be grown using simple household products, such as baking soda, water and jars. AND the crystals will form starting within the first day

Step 1: What You Will Need

  • 1/4 cup Baking Soda
  • 2 cups Distilled Water (less impurities than tap water)
  • 2 8-Ounce Jars
  • 1 ft of Yarn
  • 2 Paper Clips
  • Food Color (optional)

Step 2: Begin by Making a Super Saturated Baking Soda Solution

  • Place 2 cups of distilled water into a sauce pan over very low heat
  • Begin adding baking soda, a little at a time
  • Stirring mixture continuously
  • Continue adding baking soda until water is over saturated (when you see the baking soda settle to the bottom of the pan, approximately 1/4 cup)
  • Remove from heat and cool completely

Step 3: Prepare Jars and Yarn

  • Clean 2 small 8 ounce jars with warm soapy water and rinse
  • I used Mason jars, but you can use any small jar
  • Set jars approximately 6 inches apart on a plate
  • Cut a piece of yarn approximately 12 inches long
  • Tie a paperclip to each end of the yarn to serve as weights to hold the yarn down in the liquid
  • Pull or push the two jars together until the yarn forms a 'smiley' shape in-between them

To speed up the crystal growth process, you can soak the string in the saturated solution before stringing it between the jars

Step 4: Pour Solution Into Jars

  • Fill both jars with the saturated baking soda water solution
  • Make sure the 'smiley' part of the yarn hangs below the liquid
  • Place your experiment in a place where it won't be disturbed during the crystal growing process. Even the slightest movement may cause the experiment to fail
  • Leave the jars for 2 to 3 days to allow the crystals to form

Step 5: Add Food Color (optional)

Add a drop of food color to each jar if you like

Step 6: Day 1

Step 7: After 12 Hours

Step 8: Day 2

Step 9: Day 3

Step 10: The Crystals Also Like Growing on the Edge of the Jars