How to Grow Your Own Crystals in the Kitchen

Learn how to turn simple household ingredients into sparkling, geometric crystals using the power of evaporation. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Mix the solution. Ask a grown-up to pour 1 cup of hot water into your glass jar. Slowly stir in the alum powder one spoonful at a time until it is completely dissolved. If you want colored crystals, add two drops of food coloring now.
2. Prepare the string. Tie one end of your string to the middle of the pencil or popsicle stick. Rest the stick across the top of the jar so the string hangs down into the liquid, but make sure it doesn't touch the sides or the bottom of the jar.
3. Wait for the magic. Place the jar in a quiet, sunny spot where it won't be bumped. Cover the top loosely with a paper towel to keep dust out. Now, wait! Over the next 2 to 3 days, you will see tiny crystals begin to grow on the string.