Marcelle Cruzado, Joy Hsu, and Nikki Molina

Mr. Vankirk
Chemistry H
Period 8
3/18/13

Research and Pre-Lab: Rock Candy

Purpose: The purpose of this experiment is to observe and examine the growth of crystals from
sugar, and see how precipitation and evaporation take part in the process.

The Science Behind it: You have created a supersaturated solution by first heating a saturated
sugar solution (a solution in which no sugar can dissolve at a particular temperature) and then
allowing it to cool. A supersaturated solution is unstable- it contains more solute (sugar) than it
can stay in liquid form. So the sugar will come out of the solution, form what is called a
precipitate. This is called precipitation.

Materials:
1 quart sauce pan- Dont use a large pan!
1 glass jar (preferably narrow) with a lid
1 cup water
2 cups of white granulated sugar
measuring cups
Food coloring (of your choice)
1/2 teaspoon of flavoring
1 thin wooden stick or a pipe cleaner (if you would like to shape it)

Pre-Lab:

1. Lightly water the stick the stick you are using and cover it with sugar. This will give the
solution a base to grab onto in the process.
2. Measure exactly 1 cup of water and pour in saucepan. Heat on medium-high until it is a
rolling boil.
3. Pour 2 cups of sugar into the water and stir with a spatula. Stir continuously. At first it
will look cloudy or milk, but after 2 minutes, it should be clear.
4. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes more to make sure all the sugar dissolves. These times
are approximate, go by how it looks like. Dont let the solution get too hot or else.
5. After the sugar has completely dissolved, immediately remove the pan from the heat.
6. Let the solution sit ten minutes. (The solution will be very hot and make break the glass
jar if you do not let it sit.)
7. Add at the most 4 drops of any dye you choose to use and a teaspoon of flavoring of
your choice at this time. These measurements are approximate because this amount will
not disturb the balance of the solution.
8. Pour the solution into the jar. (Jar may still be hot, but after ten minutes it has cooled
down enough.)
9. Place the open end of the seeded wooden stick into the jar.

10. Lower the stick into the solution using clothespins to keep the hand held part of the stick
above surface. Make sure the stick is pointed straight down in the solution, not touching
the sides of the jar.
11. Place a paper towel or plastic wrap on top of the jar to prevent dust particles to enter the
solution. (Do NOT cover the solution completely with the plastic wrap or paper towel.)
12. Keep the jar in at a temperature of room temperature and let it sit. It will take up to 3-7
days, usually at day 7 it will finish its growth. During these days, check on the progress
of the stick in the solution. Occasionally transfer the solution and stick to a clean jar
because sugar will begin to build up on the sides and the stick may get trapped in it.
13. When you are satisfied with the size of your rock candy, take it out and let it dry
overnight.























Works Cited

Ma, Lanh. "How to Grow Rock Candy Crystals for a Science Fair Project." EHow. Demand Media,

21 Oct. 2010. Web. 26 Mar. 2014.

"Rock Candy." DewsWorld. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2014.