One of the best crystal experiments to try with kids is the rock candy experiment for kids! It’s edible, fun and takes just 2 main ingredients.
My kids love making all kinds of crystals, and this time, we wanted to experiment with making an edible crystal.
The kids had a blast making the rock candy- and eating it was fun, too!
Fast Rock Candy Crystal Experiment for Kids
Follow along with these directions to do the rock candy science experiment and learn how to make rock candy fast!
What is the Fastest Way to Make Rock Candy?
Rock candy can take weeks to make. Sugar crystals are some of the slowest crystals to form. However, there is a way to speed up the process.
Using an extra super-saturated solution and heating the sugar to just below the soft candy stage will produce rock candy in a fraction of the time- in just 1-2 days!
Making rock candy is one of our favorite classic science fair projects!
What Do I Need to Make Rock Candy Crystals?
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What You Need for a Science Fair
You’ll want to have these supplies on hand before doing your science fair project. Shop the included Amazon storefronts to make things easier and don’t forget to download the free science fair planning checklist before getting started!
Science Fair Project Planning
When you’re planning your project, you want to keep everything organized. Click the image below to get my free science fair project checklist so you can start organizing your project from the start.
You may also want to check out this list of science fair project research supplies.
Supplies for a Science Fair Project
There are so many supplies for science fair projects that are individual to each project, but if you want a general list of possible supplies and inspiration for your project, check out my selection of science fair experiment supplies on Amazon.
Supplies for a Science Fair Presentation
Your science fair presentation is important! It should look presentable and eye-catching. Check out this list of my favorite science fair presentation supplies.
Rock Candy Experiment Worksheet
This rock candy experiment was first released as part of the Jarring Science Club. Join the Jarring Science Club and get access to the rock candy experiment worksheets as well as a complete lesson guide, quizzes, exclusive video content, and more!
Plus, club members get access to 100s of other science experiment worksheets and lessons that make science lesson planning a breeze! Join now and get the rock candy experiment lesson plan!
How to Do the Rock Candy Experiment for Kids
What is the fastest way to make rock candy? Find out in this rock candy experiment for kids! Make edible rock crystals in record time!
Make seed crystals by dipping your coffee stirrers into water and then dipping them into sugar. Let these completely dry before you add the sugar solution.
Heat 4 cups of water and 8 cups of sugar on the stove. Add the sugar in one cup at a time and stir until completely dissolved. By the end, your sugar will make a mountain before dissolving.
Boil the sugar the whole time you’re adding new sugar. When all the sugar is dissolved, take the sugar solution off the stove.
Pour the sugar solution into jars. Add desired food coloring to each jar and stir.
Suspend the sugared coffee stirrers in the middle of the sugar solution with a clothespin. Lay the clothespin across the top of the jars to hold the coffee stirrers in place.
This will help encourage the sugar to grow on the sticks and not on the bottom of the jar.
Wait 24-48 hours for the sugar crystals to form on the sticks. A couple of times a day, move the sticks up and down vertically so that they don’t stick to the bottom of the jar and to break up any crust that forms on the surface of the sugar solution.
When the crystals have formed, remove them from the jar and set on a paper towel to dry.
Once the sugar is dry, inspect it to see what sugar crystals look like. You can also taste it, too!
The reason these sugar crystals form faster than some recipes is because we made a supersatrated solution with sugar. This speeds up the time it takes the crystals to form.
More Crystal Experiments
Edible Sugar Crystal Science Experiment for Kids
Growing Crystals with Bluing and Ammonia- Complete Science Lesson!
