Preschool Science Crystal Trees

I found the details about making crystal trees while searching for fun ideas for this week of science based activities. This was my personal favorite. I love that you have a quick interesting result that kids can see and experience. Also all of the ingredients are easily accessible. Here's what you need:

• 1 TBSP salt


• 1 TBSP water


• 1 TBSP liquid bluing (Mrs Stewarts brand, they did not have it at Walmart, but did at our local Albertsons)


• 1/2 TBSP amonia


• disposable bowl, cardboard (we used TP rolls, but you can also cut out cardboard stand up shapes)

Mix well in a sealed jar.


Place cardboard in bowl and pour solution into bowl.

Watch grow!! (this is after about 1.5 hours)

In several hours you'll see a bit of growth and after 8+ quite a bit of growth. (This is overnight)


We tried using sharpies to draw on the TP rolls and see if we got colored crystals. We did not. You can use food coloring and it will produce some coloring on the crystals.