8
1
LAB
TASTY TREATS
MATERIALS
• 1 cup (236 ml) of water
• Pan for boiling water
• 3+ cups (600+ g) of white sugar
• Metal stirring spoon
• 3–4 drops of food coloring of
any color
• 12" (30 cm) of rough yarn or twine
• Scissors
• 6" (15 cm) pencil
•
1
⁄
2
-quart (473 ml) narrow-mouth
glass Mason jar
• Round, hard ring-shaped candy
(or other clean weight)
• Paper towel, napkin, or washcloth
PROTOCOL
STEP 1:
Add the water to the pan and
boil the water on the stove. A microwave
is not recommended.
STEP 2:
Stir in the sugar slowly, adding
as much as possible until it starts to
build up at the bottom. Don’t stop: you
want your solution to be saturated.
STEP 3:
Add a few drops of food color-
ing to make a rich color. Let cool.
STEP 4:
Cut a piece of yarn or twine that
is 1 inch (2.5 cm) longer than the height
of your jar.
STEP 5:
Tie one end of the twine or yarn
around the pencil, leaving enough string
to dangle the length of your jar without
touching the bottom. Tie the other end
around the piece of candy.
STEP 6:
Moisten the string thoroughly
with water, and then sprinkle lightly with
sugar so that you create small “seed”
crystals. Let dry for ten minutes.
Build a solid sugar
crystal, sometimes
called rock candy.
Safety Tips
- Be cautious around the
stove to avoid burns.
- Ask an adult for help
boiling the water.
