🌸 Make a Crystal Garden Science Experiment
In this fun and easy science experiment, kids can grow their very own sparkling crystal garden! This activity teaches children about solutions, saturation, and crystallization — while creating something beautiful.
Safety Note: Since hot water is involved, make sure an adult helps during the setup.
🧪 Materials Needed
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1 cup Epsom salt
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1 cup very hot tap water
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Clear glass jar
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Measuring cups
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Small pom-poms
🔬 Instructions
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Pour one cup of Epsom salts into your clear jar.
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Add one cup of very hot tap water and stir until most of the salt is dissolved. It’s okay if some salt remains at the bottom!
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Drop in a few colorful pom-poms and stir gently.
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Place the jar in the refrigerator overnight.
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The next morning, carefully pour off any extra liquid.
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Observe the crystals that have formed on your pom-poms — they’ll look like tiny icy gardens!
💡 You can gently handle the crystals, but be careful — they’re delicate and may crumble.
🌈 How It Works
When you mix Epsom salt with hot water, the salt dissolves more easily because heat helps the water hold more solute.
As the mixture cools, the water can no longer keep all that salt dissolved — so the salt begins to crystallize.
The crystals form on surfaces like the pom-poms, creating your beautiful crystal garden!
🔍 Turn It Into a Science Project!
Want to take your experiment a step further?
Try using different materials and compare how fast crystals form!
Experiment ideas:
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Use table salt, Borax, or sugar instead of Epsom salt (remember: don’t eat your experiment!)
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Try warm vs. cold temperatures.
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Record your observations and draw your results each day.
✨ This is a great hands-on experiment to teach kids about chemistry, observation, and patience — plus, it makes a beautiful display when it’s done!
🧠 Science Source
This experiment was adapted from Science Fun for Everyone