Summer Science Activity : Grow Your Own Geodes!
Last school year Daphnie got her first taste of Science in school and absolutely loved it! With two parents in the STEM field we weren't surprised. She is constantly talking about science and attempts to perform her own science experiments in the house {usually with water and soap as those are the only ingredients she has access to}. So to help save on wasted soap, I decided to dedicate a few hours one night a week to Science Night!
This week we made Geodes! How cool are these?
This fun DIY is easy to make at home!
What you need:
Borax
{https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0058.html}
Food Coloring
Pipe Cleaners {I got mine from Target, here!}
Water
Pot or Deep Pan
Long wooden spoon or dowel {a ruler would even work}
String {I used fishing line}
Instructions:
1. Fill pot about 3/4 full of water, make sure the pan is deep enough for you to suspend an object about the size of your fist in it from the top. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Add food coloring! {I used around 35 drops}
3. Add Borax. Lots of Borax. I didn't measure this, if I had to guess probably 1/2 as much borax as water. {so 1 cup water + 1/2 cup borax} If you want to wing it, just keep adding and dissolving until little crystal-like floating things appear. {super technical there lol - can you tell I'm not a scientist?}
4. Remove borax-water from the heat.
5. Shape your pipecleaners however you would like, just make sure you can suspend it in the pot and it be fully submersed.
6. Tie a string around/through your pipe cleaner somewhere around the middle so it can hang evenly. Knot it to create a loop that you can hang it from.
7. Slide your pipe cleaner creation(s) down a wooden spoon and suspend in the borax/water.
8. Let sit for a few hours (minimum of 4). {We let ours sit overnight.}
9. Remove geodes from the water, you may need to pry them off the bottom of the pan with a spoon.
10. Break off any crystals that aren't fully attached and remove the string.
11. Set on paper towels to dry.
12. Enjoy!
Note: Borax should not be ingested, if so please seek medical attention. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Borax is not harmful unless ingested. It may be irritating to the skin or eyes. Wash hands with soap/water after handling. If you get it in your eye, flush immediately.
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