Rock Candy Crystal Project

The following sample rock candy crystal project experiment is meant to give you ideas on how to perform experiments and arrange your project. Use this crystal science project to come up with ideas for your own experiments.

Rock Candy Crystal Project - Evaporation Rate

The purpose of this crystal science project experiment is to determine if the rate of evaporation of a crystal solution has an affect on the growth of rock candy crystals.

Background:

Research information on crystals and rock candy. Answer the following questions: What are crystals? How do they grow? Why are they important? How is rock candy made? What is crystallization? What is a saturated solution? What factors affect the rate of evaporation?

Hypothesis:

From your research you will determine if the rate of evaporation of a crystal solution has an affect on rock candy crystal growth.

Materials: (Adult supervision of kids is always recommended.)

• 4 - Rock candy crystal project kits. Suggested kit:

       

           Scientifics Online: Rock Candy Crystal Growing Kit

           Science Kit: Rock Candy Crystal Growing Kit

• Candy thermometer
  
  
• Indoor thermometer
  
  
• Fan
  
  
• Stopwatch
  
  
• Paper
  
  
• Pencil
  
  

Procedure:

1. Gather materials needed for your rock candy crystal project experiment. List all materials from your kit. This experiment involves cooking so parental assistance is required for kids.

2. Open one of the kits. Read and follow instructions for making the rock candy sticks. You will need a candy thermometer when making the crystal solution.

3. Once you have put the crystal solution and starter stick into the dissolving jar, place your crystal growing jar in a safe place and allow the crystals to grow at room temperature. Be sure to record the temperature.

4. Open the second kit and repeat steps 2-3, but this time, place your crystal growing jar in front of a fan that is set on low speed.

5. Monitor both crystal growing vessels and record observations. Include the time it takes for crystal formation to start.

6. Compare similarities and differences between both rock candy crystal sticks. Take pictures.

7. Repeat the experiment recording all observations and data.

Results:

Record your data and compare the results for your rock candy project experiment. Were there any differences in the growth rates and sizes of the two crystal groups? How did the fan affect the evaporation rate? Which candy group had the most crystals? Which tasted the best? Graph and chart your data.

Conclusion:

Summarize what happened in your project experiment based on your results. Explain patterns in your data. Did your data support your hypothesis? If not, explain why. Evaluate your project and make suggestions for improvements.

Project Display:

Now that you have completed your science project experiment, it is time to showcase all of your hard work. For information on how to display your science fair project, see Science Project Displays.

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