Growing Halite Crystals
Growing salt crystals is a great science project for your curious classroom! Janice VanCleave offers details on how to get started.
Supplies You'll Need
- Salt
- Water
- Measuring cup
- Tablespoon
- Spoon (for stirring)
- Black construction paper
- Tray (that allows the paper to fit on it)
Divide your students into groups, providing each group with the proper materials. Instruct them to fill the measuring cup with 1/2 cup of water (125 ml). Add a tablespoon of salt to the water, stirring with a spoon until it dissolves. Lay the construction paper in the tray and pour the salt solution over the paper. Put the tray in a safe place for observation. Salt particles will stick together forming crystals as the water evaporates. This can take 7+ days, but your students will enjoy watching the effects of their experiment.