One of the things that I adore about this science experiment is that it is you cannot mess it up.
If your child does not see their desired results simply analyze what you think may have caused the results, record what was observed, ask questions, then reconstruct and test your hypothesis.
This experiment will create a variety of different crystals all of which will hold a certain WOW factor!
Items Needed for Egg Geodes:
- Borax
- Rock Salt
- Sea Salt
- Soap
- Water
- Eggs
- Food Coloring
- Clear Plastic Containers
- Any other substances that can be tested for crystallization such as alum or sugar.
How to Grow Crystals in Eggshells
When setting up your experiment the first thing you are going to want to consider is where you are going to place your eggs once they are cracked. I know that seems silly, but trust me, it can be very frustrating to crack your eggs in half only to have the little hands that are helping you shatter that shell. Even if it is a learning experience for them, it will save your sanity to have a designated spot determined before you start.
Also this experiment will take 3-7 days so make sure that this spot can be easily observed, but not easily gotten into. Borax and alum are both chemicals so you want to make sure that you are able to control when and how your child interacts with this experiment.
You won't believe how SIMPLE this is! When cracking your eggs for your geodes you are going to want to use a butter knife and start by gently tapping along the edge. Once you have a small crack in the edge of your egg use your butter knife in a sawing motion until it has cut the egg completely in half. While this is messy it is insanely easy!
Once your eggs are sawed in half you are going to want to heat up some water to not quite boiling and pour it into your containers for mixing. In the first cup (blue) we put 1/2 cup of hot water, and 1/2 cup of borax. This dissolved quickly.
In the second container (green) we simply did 1/2 cup of hot water and 1/4 cup of borax. This also dissolved simply. Repeat this for however many substances your family would like to test out.
Then we placed our eggs into our solutions and waited for the liquid to evaporate. This took approximately 7 days, which did feel like forever.
Our Results:
**Even though I am touching the crystals in these pictures to show you how the crystals turned out please remember that these are chemicals that your children should NOT touch**
Our egg geodes created two different styles of crystals. The green container which had less borax created a sugar like crystal.
The blue container which had more borax created a chunky and shiny crystal. The blue container's liquid also evaporated much quicker than the green container
Simply stunning if you ask me!
Science for Kids
- Solar System Coloring Pages
- Zoo Scavenger Hunts
- Simple Machines Game
- Pop Rock Science Experiment
- How to Make a Lava Lamp
- Hatching Butterflies
Stephanie is the founder of Parenting Chaos, mom, wife, blogger, coffee addict, nature junkie, book loving, kid at heart! She is a big advocate of teaching and learning through play. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
