Can You Grow Salt Crystals On Leaves?

Can you grow salt crystals on leaves? Looking for the perfect fall stem activity that helps showcase science? We have a great new challenge for you.

What you need per person...

What you need to do...

Students will begin by picking groups and/or working independently. Pass out the Creator Sheet to each student or group.
Have all items passed out at tables
Tell students that the objective of this experiment is to see how salt can turn into crystals on leaves.
Students fill all of their cups with water - and the pour into the pot
Bring the pot of water to a boil (with adult supervision)
Make sure you have your leaves gathered
Take the string and cut a few 8-12 inches long pieces - one piece for each leaf you have
Take the string and tie it to the middle of the stick
Tie the leaf’s stem to the other end of the string
Then you will lay the stick on the cup, so that it is balancing and the leaf is hanging freely
After water boils - add in half a cup of salt and make sure the salt dissolves
Continue adding salt until you see a film on the surface of the water
Remove from heat and turn off the stove
You will then pour the hot salt water into the cups and completely cover the leaf
Let the leafs sit in the cups overnight - and crystals should start to form
Set a timer to see how long it takes for the crystals to form

We would love to see you try this STEM Challenge. Share your results with us through social media!

Happy Making,

Maker Maven

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