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Making Sugar Crystals as an 8th Grade Science Fair Project

If you are looking for a science project with sparkle, try growing your own sugar crystals. This easy-to-make activity can display your knowledge of both chemistry and geology. Combine basic ingredients for a chemical reaction that can easily be displayed at the science fair, along with background information, your process steps and observational data. Although you are technically making rock crystals, the candy rock that results can mimic true geological structures and serve as a basis for reporting on this scientific topic.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Clear cup or jug
  • Wooden dowel
  • Metal pan with lid
  • Spoon
  • Scissors
  • String
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Instructions

  1. Growing Crystals

    • 1

      Measure the string against the side of your cup or jug. Use the scissors to cut the string at least 1 inch longer than the jar. Wet the string in water. Dip the soaked string in the sugar, coating the entire length. Brush off any excess. Set the string aside. You will use it later on to grow your crystals.

    • 2

      Heat the water on the stove in the metal pan. Cover the pan and wait for the water to boil.

    • 3

      Remove the water from the heat source. Stir the sugar into the water until the mixture is clear. Set the mixture aside (away from the heat source) to cool thoroughly.

    • 4

      Tie the end of the string tightly around the end of the wooden dowel. Submerge the string in the sugar-water mixture, using the craft stick as a hanger outside of the cup/jug. It will take between two and five days for the crystals to fully form. You may use the dowel to pull the string out after the crystals have formed.

    • 5

      Rinse the crystals, while still on the string, off using cold water. Set the sugar crystals aside to dry on a paper or cloth towel. The crystals will now be ready to display. Display the crystals on a solid surface such as a plate or sturdy piece of cardboard.

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