The best part of doing science with kids is sometimes not knowing how something is going to turn out or if something cool will even happen, and that’s exactly what this crystal pumpkin suspension science turned out to be. We have done quite a few crystal growing projects, and although the standard is to use pipe cleaners for this method, we have used egg shells and seashells too. This is a fun science project for curious kids!

CRYSTAL PUMPKIN SUSPENSION SCIENCE PROJECT

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GROWING CRYSTALS | SUSPENSION SCIENCE | CURIOUS KIDS 

So, can you grow crystal on a pumpkin using the borax solution recipe? Because we love to do seasonally themed activities and we love white pumpkins, there was no reason not to test out this question. Make sure to have your kids predict what they think will happen too. We ended up doing the crystal growing project twice, once with a whole pumpkin and once with a pumpkin cut in half.

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR: Crystal Snowflakes or Crystal Hearts

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CRYSTAL GROWING SOLUTION

This particular crystal growing recipe is actually pretty simple and quick to set up. You just need to be a little patient while the crystals form, but it doesn’t take too long. Just don’t bump it.

SUPPLIES

Small White Pumpkin {gourd size}

Borax Powder {found in the laundry detergent aisle of most stores} I know many people feel borax is not safe but if handled safely, you shouldn’t have a problem. Always wash hands after use. We do make a fun slime out of borax too.

Water

Glass Container {glass is best}

Spoon and Tablespoon Measure

MIX

The classic recipe measurements are 1 cup water to 3 tablespoons borax powder. You will need enough mixture to be able to cover your pumpkin, so choose a container that also allows for maximum coverage.

We used 3 cups of hot water {boiled and then left to rest a minute} with 9 tablespoons of borax

I measured nine table spoons of borax into a mixing bowl and then added water. Mix until well dissolved. The mixture will be cloudy. This is the suspension!

Put your pumpkin into your glass container of choice and pour in liquid borax solution.

NOW! A pumpkin floats {great mini science lesson}! The pumpkin needs to stay pushed down into the solution by something. We used a plate. Get creative. Makes a fun STEM challenge too: How To Sink A Pumpkin.

Borax Crystal Growing Solution with White PumpkinPin

Make sure you place the container with the pumpkin somewhere safe. It needs to be left alone so that the suspended liquid solution is not disrupted. Give your pumpkin 24 hours but you can definitely check out crystals growing along the way.

THESE CRYSTAL HEARTS ARE FUN TO WATCH GROW

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WHAT’S THE SCIENCE?

It’s a neat chemistry experiment involving liquids and solids and states of matter. Because there are still solid particles within the liquid mixture, if let untouched, those particles will settle. No matter how you mix these particles are not going to fully dissolve Here they settle on the pumpkin as well as the container and form crystals. If you have a science lesson in this for fall, crystal pumpkins would be a perfect hands-on learning activity!

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Above, you can see that only the top half of the pumpkin is covered in crystals. Can you guess why that might be? Hint: Think about what happens when the solution settles and the shape of the pumpkin!

CRYSTAL PUMPKIN SUSPENSION SCIENCE EXPERIMENT #2

We decide that it would be interesting to see what would happen if we cut the pumpkin in half and tried again. I did clean out the pumpkin quickly and whipped up a new solution. You will still need to brace the pumpkin halves so they stay down! It turned out to be an interesting crystal pumpkin experiment. The inside of the pumpkin stayed wet for quite awhile but you could see crystals. 48 hours later, the pumpkin was drier and you could see the crystals much better.

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This crystal growing pumpkin activity is a fun alternative to the standard pipe cleaner crystal science projects, but that’s what really gets the kid curious and excited. However, I definitely suggest you try both and that you find other objects to try too!

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CRYSTAL PUMPKIN SUSPENSION SCIENCE ACTIVITY FOR FALL

CLICK ON THE PHOTOS BELOW TO SEE WHAT ELSE WE LIKE TO DO WITH PUMPKINS!

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2 Comments

  1. Did the crystals fall off when you moved the pumpkin after it was out of the water and dry. Thought about doing this for each preschool child. But it would be sad if they fell off after.

  2. If you let it really dry, the crystals are quite durable. Obviously you still need to be gentle but it has lasted quite nicely. Make sure to try it with pipe cleaners. They will be even stronger.

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