A crystal is made up of tiny atoms, ions or molecules. The building blocks are arranged geometrically and give the solid its typical structure. For this reason, table salt is also a crystalline material – and can be easily grown at home. How children can make their own salt crystals in different colors using easy-to-understand chemical processes is explained in the following kits.
1. SetThe Galileo Science experiment set is entitled “Grow your own crystals” and is (according to the manufacturer) suitable for children aged eight and over. It contains all the accessories you need to trigger the desired chemical reactions. Instructions guide you step by step through the entire experiment – until the colored salt crystals are formed.
2. SetThe complete set “Growing crystals” from Kosmos includes a large set of materials including step-by-step instructions: molds and plaster for figures that can be covered with crystalline cases, colorful colored paper and a treasure chest for displaying the salt crystals glow in the dark. However, the experiment kit is only suitable for children aged ten and over.
3. SetThe Galileo Science experiment kit for children aged eight and over contains a small science laboratory including accessories. The plaster figures and special blotting paper are intended to help create salt crystals of different colors – which even sparkle in the dark. This set also contains clear instructions that explain the chemical processes step by step.
In theory, you can grow the salt crystals without an experimental set; you only need the following ingredients:
Then proceed as follows:
Step 1: To grow a star-shaped crystal, at least three toothpicks need to be placed crosswise and tied together with some wire.
Step 2: Then each toothpick is individually wrapped with wool, preferably from the outside to the inside – this allows you to form a loop in the middle through which the thread is pulled. Then cut it from the ball so that there is still some length left to hang the star on.
Step 3: Take the skewer and place it across the container. Tie the thread to the middle so that the star protrudes into the vessel – without touching the bottom or walls.
Step 4: Boil the water in a small pot and stir in the potassium aluminum sulfate until it has dissolved.
Step 5: Pour the solution into the container with the star and then place the container in a safe (smooth) place that is permanently warm.
Step 6: Now it’s time to wait. It takes at least seven to ten days before the first small crystals form around the star.
Those: Geolino
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