As winter firmly takes hold, this fun science project is a great way to spend a cold afternoon inside. Use pipe cleaners to create custom snowflake shapes or long, straight icicles that will magically crystalize overnight with only two easy household ingredients.
Supplies
Borax laundry detergent booster
Pipe cleaners (white or different shades of blue)
String
Pencil, chopstick or rod
Container such as a vase or jar
Water
The finished products are beautiful hanging from windows or attached to presents.
Directions:
Create snowflake shapes using the pipe cleaners. One long pipe cleaner can be cut into three pieces and then twisted into a simple star. Make the snowflakes as plain or fancy as desired, but remember the snowflakes need to be able to fit into the container with the Borax solution.
Use string to tie to a part of the snowflake. Tie the other end of the string to a pencil or something long enough to span the width of the container you are using.
To make the Borax solution, mix 1/3 cup of Borax to 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the Borax is dissolved, about 1 to 2 minutes. Make enough solution to completely cover your snowflakes.
With the snowflake attached to your pencil or stick, submerge the pipe cleaner snowflake into the solution. If making more than one snowflake, make sure they don’t touch each other or the bottom of the container.
Now is the easy part. Leave the container alone overnight and check out the amazing crystal snowflakes the next day.
