At Home with the Mad Scientist: 3-6 for October 2008

Crystal Making

Remember: Always have an adult help you with any experiment.

Materials

1. An adult helper
2. Measuring spoon
3. Liquid blue laundry detergent
4. Iodized salt (table salt)
5. Small bottle of ammonia
6. Small jar
7. Plastic picnic spoon or old table spoon
8. 8 to 10 charcoal briquettes
9. Disposable pie tin
10. Food coloring (any colors)

Procedure

1. Measure 2 tablespoons each of liquid blueing, laundry detergent, salt, and ammonia into a small jar. Have an adult helper supervise this mixing. Avoid breathing the ammonia fumes as much as possible. Stir with an old tablespoon or plastic picnic spoon.
2. Place 3 or 4 charcoal briquettes on a disposable pie tin. Add a few drops of food coloring on each briquette.
3. Pour some of the detergent, salt, and ammonia solution over the top of the charcoal pieces. While the crystals are forming, replenish your supply of solution.
4. As you enjoy the beautiful colors and shapes that emerge, repeat the process with 3 or 4 more briquettes.