Chemisty Class!

We all became scientists last week when we investigated what temperature was best for growing Borax crystals.  The kids used hot, hot water  mixed with Borax until saturated, and I used cold water and room temperature water.

We learned the scientific method of questioning, writing a hypothesis, including all our materials and procedures, and documenting our results.  Our results were beautiful, white or clear, crystals!  Try this easy experiment at home and create gorgeous ornaments for gifts!
Step 1: bend a pipe cleaner into the shape you like.  We tried hearts, candy canes, circles, etc.  Then tie a string to your pipe cleaner.
Step 2: add hot boiling water to a glass jar.  Then, add Borax until it is saturated (can't dissolve anymore!).  Experiment with the amounts of Borax.  Lots of Borax will create soft, fuzzy white crystals.  Just the right amount will create hard, clear crystals.
Step 3:  Suspend your ornament inside the jar.  We just tied ours to pencils and rested them on top of the jars.  Let sit overnight and voila!