Christmas Science Activity | Borax Crystal Growth Experiment | Grade 2 3

Discover mixtures and solutions by growing borax crystals. You'll get a comprehensive teacher guide, hands-on investigation, and borax ornament STEAM challenge. This unit uses inexpensive materials and gives results in 24 hours. A wonderful way to practice the scientific method, measuring mass, and graphing for the holiday season.

This Hands-On Investigation and Teacher Guide Includes

• Teacher Guide with Background Information and Tips
• Alignment to Standards
• 6-Page Student Investigation Journal
• STEAM Crystal Creation Worksheet and Activity
• Rubric
• Answer Key
• Terms of use

This investigation meets the Next Generation Science Standards

• Structure and Properties of Matter Alignment 2nd Grade
• K-2 Science and Engineering Practices
• 3-5 Science and Engineering Practices

Storybook Connection: Before performing the STEAM craft, read "Snowflake Bentley" by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and illustrated by Mary Azarian. This may motivate and give students ideas for snowflake shapes for their crystals. (Purchase the book separately or get it at the library.)

Students will test how different types of water affect crystal growth. They will create supersaturated solutions and discover that distilled water is a pure substance and other types of water may not be. In the investigation, the students will follow the scientific method to create a hypothesis, record data, and create a graph. Students will be guided on using their evidence to write a summary and conclusion. Word boxes and labels guide and differentiate for this grade level. Students will use their knowledge from the lab to create a crystal design, Christmas ornament, or snowflake.

Teachers will love the step-by-step directions, journal layout, and taking crystal making to another level. This is an excellent activity for science fairs, classrooms, clubs, or science camps. All supplies can be found at the grocery store. It only takes 24 hours for results!

Supplies: Borax Powder, Tap Water, Distilled Water, Mineral Water, Popsicle Sticks, Pipe Cleaners, Heat Resistant Plastic or Glass Jars, Spoons, Measuring Spoons, and Measuring Cups. All supplies can be found at the grocery store. You will need a scale for weighing the crystals.

Important: Borax crystals may sometimes stick to the container and be impossible to get off. Heat-proof plastic containers clean the best, or use something disposable. If you use a glass beaker, test one first to see what happens.

This investigation is part of a series. This is the 2nd/3rd-grade version. Please click each grade level version below to see more details.

Borax Crystal Lab: Investigate the Type of Water on Crystal Growth Grade 4/5

Borax Crystal Lab: Investigate the Type of Water on Crystal Growth Grade 6,7,8

Do you need multiple grade-level versions as a science lab teacher or for differentiation? Purchase the Bundle and save 20% on each resource.

STEAM Lab: Borax Crystal Lab: 3 Grade Level Bundle

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Inspiring Lifelong Learnings through a Memorable Scientific Experience

All parts are copyrighted. Please see the terms of use in the download. Please use good lab practices. The seller is not responsible for the use or misuse of the activities.