Monsoons can often be rainy and gloomy, but when the sun does shine through the fresh air, it’s breathtaking. Looking for a fun, indoor STEAM-themed activity? Create crystal suncatchers with your kids and catch a glimpse of the sun’s warm rays of light. This crystal suncatcher catches the cloudy sun so beautifully you’ll want to hang them in every window and on every tree. Here we will show you how to catch some rays with crystal suncatchers! It requires just a few ingredients and the outcome would be super amazing.
About Crystal Suncatchers Activity
Creating crystals with salt is a famous kid’s science activity due to many reasons. The ingredients are cheap and easily available at our homes and the outcomes are always unexpected. The wonderful thing about this interesting activity is that you can have a better view of the lacey texture and patterns of the crystal formations that develop. For further investigation drop a pinch of the supersaturated liquid on a slide and view it under a microscope!
Supplies Required For Crystal Suncatchers Activity
- Empty Jar
- Water
- Epsom salt
- Measuring cup
- Microwave (optional)
- Spoon
- Clear Plastic Lids
- Tray Craft knife/Pin
- String
Steps Involved In The Crystal Suncatchers Activity
1. First, heat 1 cup of water in a jar in the microwave for 45 seconds. Alternatively use very hot tap water and skip the microwave.
2. Now add 1 cup of Epsom salt to warm water. You’ll be using a 1:1 ratio of water to Epsom salt for this project.
3. Now mix the salt and water for 1-2 minutes to dissolve the salt.
4. Then place some plastic lids on a flat-bottomed tray.
5. After this, pour some of the liquid from your jar into the plastic lids. Use just enough to cover the bottom of the lid.
6. Now place your lids in a sunny location where they can remain uninterrupted. Depending on how much liquid has been added it will take a few hours or a day to start crystallizing.
7. When the liquid has completely evaporated, your crystal suncatcher is ready! You will be able to see lovely crystal structures from both sides of the lid.
8. Now carefully poke a small hole in the edge of the lid and thread a piece of string through the hole. Tie in a knot and hang your suncatcher up!
Note: Suncatchers will last about a week before evaporating & turning opaque.
Let’s Keep Learning!
Now that you have some easy and affordable STEM activities for kids, you are skilled to help your little ones investigate the interesting foundations of science, technology, engineering, and math. There are plenty of STEM activities for all ages floating around out there. You might be wondering how to find more ideas that are age-appropriate for the kids in your life. When you know more about the way young children learn, you might have the inspiration to create a few activities of your own! Now take a step back, and enjoy your charming crystal suncatcher!
