Give your students a sparkling introduction to chemistry with our Grow Your Own Crystals Experiment! This hands-on investigation is designed to help students in Years 4–6 explore key science concepts such as solubility, saturation, evaporation, and changes in state. By creating their own salt crystals, students observe how solids form from a solution over time and deepen their understanding of chemical processes through inquiry and observation.

Students begin by designing a pipe cleaner shape, suspending it in a hot salt solution, and observing as crystals grow over 12, 24, and 48 hours. Using provided worksheets and reflection prompts, students predict, record, and analyse results as they watch the crystal formation process unfold. This experiment supports the development of observation skills, scientific vocabulary, and real-world application of chemistry concepts:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.

Whether used during National Science Week or as part of a physical and chemical sciences unit, this engaging activity brings the excitement of discovery into your classroom. It encourages patience, detailed observation, and thoughtful reflection as students track changes across multiple days.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Explore how crystals form from a saturated solution
• ✅ Observe and record changes in the state of matter over time
• ✅ Apply understanding of solubility, evaporation, and saturation
• ✅ Develop scientific skills in predicting, recording, and interpreting results
• ✅ Make connections between classroom science and real-world crystal formation

What’s Included:

• Step-by-step student instructions for preparing the experiment
• Discussion questions to support reflection and group learning
• Visuals to assist with setup and understanding of the procedure
• Worksheet prompts for observations and science journal responses

Materials Needed:

• 1 glass jar or cup
• 1 cup hot water
• 3 tablespoons table salt
• Pipe cleaners
• String
• Paddle pop stick or pencil
• Spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

How to Use:

1. Have students shape a pipe cleaner and attach it to string.
2. Rest the string over the opening of a glass jar using a paddle pop stick.
3. Pour 1 cup of hot water into the jar and dissolve salt until no more can be added.
4. Suspend the pipe cleaner in the solution and leave it undisturbed overnight.
5. Students observe and record changes at 12, 24, and 48 hours, then reflect on their findings.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Include as part of a physical and chemical changes unit in upper primary
• 💡 Use as an inquiry station during National Science Week
• 💡 Link with Earth sciences by researching natural crystals like quartz or stalactites
• 💡 Allow students to experiment with different variables such as salt types or solution temperature
• 💡 Encourage group discussions using the reflection questions provided

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Prepare a sample in advance to help students visualise the growth stages
• 💛 Use magnifying glasses to observe crystal structures in detail
• 💛 Encourage students to sketch and label their crystals in a science journal
• 💛 Have students compare results across groups to evaluate different outcomes

The Grow Your Own Crystals Experiment is a captivating and educational way to explore real chemistry in action. With links to natural science, creative design, and careful observation, it offers the perfect mix of curiosity and curriculum for upper primary learners.

Be sure to check out our other National Science Week resources!