Making Geodes

So, to end our lesson on minerals and to begin our lesson on rocks I decided to take a day and have the kids create their own geodes. The best part was they were so excited and so nervous at the same time! The day before the activity I had the kids choose their materials. Over course we spent a few minutes with some of them changing their minds several times --- but that was okay, I didn't mind :). No point in fretting over something that will be theirs!

Now, for the next day I showed them a variety of pictures of what their's may possibly look like if they chose that material. Of course, some changed again, but still it was okay! We then began the experiment....

Our Mineral Materials:                                              

• Borax
• Brown Sugar
• Salt
• Sea Salt
• Baking Soda
• Cream of Tartar
• Sugar
• Epsom Salt

Other Materials:

• Hot Water
• Spoons
• Cups
• Food Coloring
• Eggs (Halved and Cleaned)
• Egg Carton

I called each mineral material and had the kids come up for their chosen ones. Then each went back to their seats and after a few minutes and all materials were passed out, I poured the hot water into their cups. They then stirred it for a minute or so until ALL of the solution dissolved. We then added it to their eggs and placed it up on the shelf (so it wont be disturbed). 

Here are a few pictures (DAY 1: 11/11/11):

A few pictures, notice some have already completely evaporated with no crystals! :(

 This one (on left) has small crystals and has already evaporated and the other (on left) has some crystals growing on the far blue....

These two have already started to crystallize after only a day! 

The whole group......

Found the activity at Suite 101 and I'll update you on 11/14 on how they look since it's the weekend! :)