Kids of all ages love colorful and glittery crystals. Try this fun and simple new experiment... "The Crystal Star"

Materials:

8 ounces of Borax Coffee can

2 Pipe cleaners 12” of string

Wooden craft stick  

What to Do:

Wrap one pipe cleaner around the other one and make a small circle. Bend the pipe cleaners into a star shape and tie one end of the string to the top of the star. Tie another knot from the other end of the string to the center of a wooden craft stick. Fill a coffee can (or clear jar) with boiling water (adults only) or heat water in a plastic quart container by microwaving it for 5 to 6 minutes. Mix all the borax powder into the heated water until you notice the powder settling on the bottom of the can/jar. Rest the stick on the can/jar lid so that the pipe cleaner star is suspended in the solution. Set aside overnight.

Why it works:

As the water cools and evaporates, the molecules from the crystal borax powder stack together on the pipe cleaners. By morning, you will have a beautiful star covered with very thick glittery crystals. Remove it from the can/jar and let it drip dry. Hang it up and use it as a decorative sun catcher, star mobile, or ornament. Makes a great home-grown science gift that everyone will love. You can also make many additional shapes that include trees, coils, hearts, diamonds, etc. Have fun!!