This post is in participation with Camp Warner Bros. All thoughts are my own.

One of the best things about summer break is that we often have time to explore favorite subjects like science in depth. This week, we're diving into a really cool science experiment that you can make at home, and then eat at the end! We're checking out Steven's Universe this week, as well & I'll be sharing below why these two things go hand in hand!

First, let's make some Crystal Gem Candy!

It's important to note that adult supervision is required at all times with this experiment! The liquid used for this is hot, hot, hot, and little hands could easily be burned. 

Needed household items

You'll need a few items from home to make this! Be sure to grab the following:

Glass Jar

Pencil

String/Twine

Paperclip 

You'll also need:

1 Cup Water

3 Cups Granulated Sugar

Food Coloring (optional)

We added sugar to the ribbon strands and let them dry before dipping them into our sugar solution. This step is optional, but we wanted to try it this way.

We followed the directions (in the graphic above) and completed each step as instructed. I made sure that I set the timer to allow the sugar solution enough time to cool. Failure to allow proper cooling could result in the glass jar bursting (beware).

We chose the color blue for our crystal gem candy. What color will you choose?

After the solution cooled, I poured it into the jar (it was still very warm, so please be careful and have an adult do this step). We added a few drops of blue food coloring and made sure it was evenly distributed throughout the sugar solution.

Next, we lowered the paperclip end of each string into the solution, leaving about 1 inch between each paperclip and the bottom of the jar.

Next, we moved the jar to a cool and dry area and patiently waited for crystals to start forming. The entire process can take between 4 -6 hours.

This is such a cool thing to watch happen! Checking in on the strings and seeing the crystals form is so awesome and neat! This was an absolute hoot to make and then enjoy while watching Steven Universe! The kiddos loved munching on the candy they made while watching the movie!

The Science Behind The Fun:

As time passes (and the solution cools), the water will slowly evaporate from the solution. As the water evaporates, the solution will become more saturated with sugar. The sugar molecules will collect on the string, and the candy crystals will grow molecule by molecule!

Extra Science Fun:

Try making two jars of candy. In the first jar - seed your “Crystal Gem” Candy by rolling your string in water and sugar. In the second jar do not seed your string with sugar before growing. Determine if using seed sugar crystals changes the growth rate of your “Crystal Gem” Candy!

About Steven Universe: The Movie:

After so many harrowing adventures, Steven and the Gems are ready to celebrate how far they’ve come with a movie musical! Little do they know they’re about to face their worst enemy yet.

This musical film is a blast for the whole family! The kiddos understood the reality of practicing patience that was brought up in the movie, and then waiting for the gem candy to form! This is a great weekend pick for the fam anytime!

Want it? Get it!