Yay! It’s fall and soon the leaves will be changing and turning brilliant shades of yellows, reds, and oranges! I can’t wait but until them, we can totally try out fall leaf theme activities like this salt crystal science project perfect for young kids. Growing salt crystals is a really fun and simple kitchen science experiment you can do either at home or in the classroom. Easy science experiments are our favorite no matter what the season!

 SALT CRYSTAL LEAVES SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Yay! It's fall and soon the leaves will be changing and turning brilliant shades of yellows, reds, and oranges! I can't wait but until them, we can totally try out leaf themed science activities like this salt crystal leaves science experiment perfect for young kids. Growing salt crystals is a really fun and simple kitchen science style experiment you can do either at home or in the classroom. Simple science and STEM is our favorite no matter what the season.Pin

FALL STEM WITH A LEAF THEME

Awesome simple science experiments for kids are so easy to do! It’s never too early to help kids fall in love with STEM with hands-on activities like this salt science experiment! Seasons like fall, are a great way to explore fall STEM activities!

Themed science ideas are great for young kids because it really gets them excited to explore and learn. Plus it also gives you an opportunity to repeat similar science experiments to solidify understanding!

We also have made gingerbread man salt crystals, snowflake salt crystals, hearts salt crystal science, ocean salt crystals and Easter salt crystals. See how easy it is!

I also like to think of these science projects as science crafts because you get to play with shapes and colors too!

Growing borax crystals is an alternative to growing salt crystals. A great experiment would be to try both and compare results and solutions.

Salt Crystal Leaves Science Experiment for Kids Fall STEM ActivitiesPin

HOW TO MAKE SALT CRYSTALS?

What’s the science behind this simple salt experiment? A supersaturated solution!

A supersaturated solution is a mixture that can’t hold any more particles. Like with the salt here, we have filled all the space in the water with salt and the rest is left behind.

Water molecules are close together in cold water, but when you heat the water up, the molecules spread away from each other. This is what allows you to add more salt to get that supersaturated solution. It even appears cloudy.

Try this experiment with cold water to compare the differences in the amount of salt needed to get a supersaturated solution. Compare the results of the crystals afterward.

Setting up salt crystal leaves science experiment with a saturated solutionPin

HOW DO THE SALT CRYSTALS FORM?

You have already learned a bit about a supersaturated solution and how it’s made. So how do the salt crystals grow? As the solution cools the water molecules start to come back together, the particles of salt in the solution fall out of place and onto the paper. More will connect with the molecules that have already fallen out of the solution to continue the crystal growth.

A fun fall science project, or fall themed activity to add to any lesson plan or learning time at home! Salt is a basic kitchen supply and this salt crystal leaves science experiment is perfect. Did you know you could enjoy neat but simple science just with salt and water?

Salt Crystal Leaves Science Experiment PrepPin

Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges?

We have you covered…

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SALT CRYSTAL EXPERIMENT

Also check out our Apple STEM Activities and Pumpkin STEM Activities for fall science!

SUPPLIES:

  • Salt
  • Pot
  • Construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Plate or Cookie Tray
Supplies for Salt Crystal Leaves Science ExperimentPin

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP1: Cut out leaf shapes from paper. You can even use a cookie cutter or freehand your designs! Maybe trace leaves you find outside for an added art project and nature walk. You can also use our printable leaf templates here!

NOTE: You can turn these leaves into ornaments by punching holes into the tips before you crystallize them.

STEP 2: Boil 1 cup of water and add enough salt to over-saturate the mixture (I always stop when crystals start forming on the surface of the water)

Alternatively, you can use the microwave to heat your water and add salt afterward. You can heat 1 cup for 2 mins and then stir in one tablespoon of salt at a time. {Probably about 3 tablespoons of salt}

STEP 3: Put the leaves on a plate with space between each one.

BEFORE you pour the solution, move your tray to a quiet location that won’t be disturbed. It’s easier than trying to do it after you have added the liquid. We know!

STEP 4: Pour a thin layer of saltwater solution over the leaves!

STEP 5: Let your salt crystal leaves sit until the water evaporates. MAKE SURE TO EXAMINE the leaves along the way and check out the crystal growth!

STEP6: Let dry completely on paper towels if necessary and enjoy!

Make sure to leave out a magnifying glass for your kids to explore close up what the crystals look like!

Up Close Salt Crystal Pin

MORE FUN LEAF ACTIVITIES

TRY FALL SCIENCE WITH SALT CRYSTAL LEAVES!

Click on the image below or on the link for more fun fall science experiments for kids.

Click here to get your free Fall STEM challenges!

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