DIY Rock Candy Experiment: This will help kids understand the process of crystallisation  

Scientific concepts are best understood by kids in the form of practical experimentation. A simple DIY rock candy experiment allows kids to observe the process of crystallisation first-hand using only a few basic materials from the kitchen. The delicious treats will act as a bonus. Make sure that you supervise your kids closely throughout this experiment, as they will need to be use fire for the process. 

What you will need 

• Sugar 
• Water 
• Food colouring of choice 
• Food flavouring such as vanilla, peppermint, etc. 
• Small glass jars 
• Spoon 
• Candy stick 
• Pins used for hanging clothes on the line 
• A pot 
• A stove 

Step-by-step guide  

Gather all the materials and help your kid follow these steps. 

• Empty 2 cups of water into a pot and heat it on the stove. Leave it there until it comes to a boil. 
• Add 4 cups of sugar to the pot. Keep stirring until all of the sugar has dissolved. 
• Once all the sugar has dissolved, it leaves behind what is known as a supersaturated sugar solution. This is also the ideal time to add in your food flavouring of preference. 
• Allow the solution to cool for about 20 minutes. 
• While the solution is cooling, wash the candy sticks and roll them around in granulated sugar. Let them dry fully. 
• After the sugar solution has cooled down, add in the food colouring of choice. 
• Carefully, pour the sugar solution into small glass jars. While it is in there, place the candy sticks (one each) in the centre of the solution-filled jars. Make sure that they don’t touch the sides of the jar. 
• Secure the candy sticks in place using the pins. 
• Place the jars in a cool place without any disturbance- a cupboard is an ideal option.  
• Check on them after 2 weeks. And voila! The rock candy sticks are ready. Remove the sticks carefully and enjoy! 

What exactly happened in this experiment? 

This experiment clearly demonstrates how the process of crystallisation takes place. It leads to the formation of a solid, where atoms and molecules are highly organised into a structure referred to as a crystal. In this experiment, crystallisation began when the sugar and water were heated on the stove. The water gradually evaporated, leaving behind only the solid sugar. Over time, when it was placed in the cupboard, it further solidified into highly organised structures, thus leaving us with the sugar crystals.