The Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit is an exciting STEM toy that allows children to easily grow their own vibrant crystals. With this educational kit, kids can discover the wonder of chemistry and crystal formation right at home!
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit. We’ll cover:
- The educational value for kids
- A step-by-step guide to the experiment
- How it allows for fast and easy crystal growth
- The vibrant colors it produces
- Fun project ideas using the crystals
- Reviews and ratings
- Availability on Amazon
- Comparison to other crystal growing kits
- Toy safety
- Additional STEM education resources
- Ideas for homeschoolers and grandparents
So whether you’re a parent, teacher, or gift giver searching for an engaging STEM toy, read on to learn all about the magic of this crystal growing kit!
Educational Value of the Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit
The Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit is designed to provide a hands-on learning experience for children. By experimenting with the kit, kids can:
- Learn about chemistry concepts like solutions, crystallization, and molecular structure
- Discover how crystals form through chemical reactions
- Develop science observation skills by watching the crystals grow
- Better understanding of earth science and geology through forming gemstone-like crystals
The crystal growing process allows children to be active learners – hypothesizing, experimenting, and drawing conclusions. This inquiry-based approach is excellent for STEM education and benefits kids in the following ways:
- Improves science skills: Following instructions, making observations, analyzing results.
- Sparks an interest in STEM topics: Chemistry, minerals, rocks, gems.
- Develops problem-solving abilities: Troubleshooting any issues with crystal growth.
- Boosts confidence: Successfully growing gorgeous crystals encourages a sense of achievement.
Hands-on science activities are pivotal for laying the foundation for future careers in STEM fields.
Step-By-Step Crystal Growing Experiment
The Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit comes with all the materials needed to start growing crystals right away. Here is a step-by-step guide to the crystal growing experiment:
Materials Included:
- 3 Crystal powder samples
- Growth Liquid
- Plastic display chamber
- 3 Wooden spoons
- Magnifying glass
- Color Guide
- Experiments poster
- Detailed instructions
Safety Tips:
- Adult supervision recommended
- Not suitable for children under 3 years
- Use toy safety glasses (not included)
- Wash hands after use
Experiment Instructions:
- Fill the plastic chamber half full with distilled water.
- Pour crystal powder into the water and stir with a wooden spoon.
- Slowly add growth liquid, stirring continuously until saturated.
- Insert a wooden spoon with the solution into a chamber slot to hold it in place.
- Place the chamber out of direct sunlight and wait for crystals to form.
- Observe crystals periodically with the magnifying glass.
- To remove crystals, rinse a wooden spoon under water.
It’s that easy! Now let’s look at how fast and vibrant the crystal growth process is.
Fast and Easy Crystal Growth
One of the best parts of the Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit is how quickly kids can grow stunning crystals.
The kits contain premium ingredients and a balanced formula allowing for rapid crystallization – usually between 4 hours to 2 days. This quick turnaround time means young scientists get to see the results of their experiment right away, keeping them engaged and motivated.
Other crystal growing kits can take weeks or even months for crystals to fully form. The Kidz Science kit’s accelerated process gives it a huge advantage over other options when working with impatient kids.
And besides the speedy turnaround time, the setup is extremely easy and mess-free. The chamber contains any leaks or spills, while the wooden spoons provide a non-porous surface for crystals to adhere to. Plus there’s no need for any hot water or complicated equipment.
So in just a few steps, children can rapidly grow picture-perfect crystals. It’s instant gratification that makes learning about chemistry fascinating!
Vibrant Colors Burst from the Crystals
The crystals formed with the Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit are renowned for their unbelievably vibrant colors.
The kit contains three different crystal powder samples, each producing crystals in a different dazzling hue:
- Blue: Sodalite chloride crystals
- Green: Copper sulfate crystals
- Purple: Potassium aluminum sulfate crystals
These vivid crystals look like real gemstones right out of the earth!
What creates these colorful compounds? Let’s use the blue Sodalite chloride crystals as an example:
- Sodalite contains chloride particles which give the crystals their blue color.
- When the powder dissolves and recrystallizes, these chloride particles get locked into the molecular lattice structure.
- Light passing through the crystalline chloride particles creates the vivid blue glow.
This effect works the same way for the green copper sulfate and purple potassium aluminum sulfate crystals.
Other crystal growing kits often produce colorless or cloudy crystals. But the Kidz Science kit consistently yields dramatically brilliant blues, greens, and purples that really captivate kids.
Fun Crystal Projects for Kids
Once the crystals are formed, there are endless creative possibilities! Here are some ideas:
Jewelry
- Wire wrap or glue crystals into necklaces and bracelets.
Ornaments
- Use string or wire to fashion Christmas tree ornaments.
Magnets
- Glue crystals onto magnetic strips to make instant fridge magnets.
Night lights
- Place green crystals over an LED light to create a glowing night light.
Egg geodes
- Grow blue crystals inside emptied eggshells for scenic egg geodes.
Sun catchers
- Hang purple crystals in front of windows to make glittering sun catchers.
Kids get the added benefit of developing their art and craft skills doing projects with the crystals they grew themselves. Parents can even collaborate on projects to bond with children through these creative science activities.
Reviews of the Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit
The Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit earns high praise in reviews for its ability to reliably grow stunning crystals. Here are some key points critics and customers emphasize:
- Over 1,300 Amazon reviews with 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Fun, educational STEM activity for children
- Vibrant colors are mesmerizing
- Easy to do and quick results keep kids engaged
- High quality materials lead to successful crystal growth
- Detailed instructions make setup foolproof
The most common downsides mentioned by reviewers:
- Crystals are small, not large gems
- Some users had issues with crystals forming
- Can be messy if not careful
Overall though, the huge number of positive reviews confirms the Kidz Science kit consistently produces impressive crystals through a fun, educational process.
Where to Buy the Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit
The Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit is available from many major retailers including Amazon, Target, Walmart and more.
On Amazon, the kit sells for $17.99 and includes free shipping with Amazon Prime. The Amazon listing has over 1,300 reviews and a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, making it a great option for fast delivery.
Other retailers like Target and Walmart often carry the kit in-store so you can save on shipping. The typical in-store price ranges from $15.99-$19.99.
No matter where you purchase from, the Kidz Science kit offers an exciting STEM activity at a very affordable price point. And remember – for Amazon purchases under $35, you can select free No Rush Shipping to earn rewards on future Amazon purchases.
How It Compares to Other Crystal Growing Kits
There are a handful of other crystal growing kits on the market that are worth comparing:
| Kit | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 4M Crystal Growing Experiment | Very low cost, under $10 | Lower quality materials, small crystals |
| National Geographic Crystal Kit | Good educational material | Slower crystal growth, up to 3 weeks |
| Geo Central Crystal Lab Kit | Grows 6 crystal colors | More expensive, $26 |
| Melissa & Doug Crystal Growing Lab | Decent crystal size | Long growth time, crystals can be unclear |
The Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit remains a top option for its combination of vibrant crystal colors, fast growth, ease of use, and affordable pricing. It finds a nice balance between education and fun, keeping kids engaged through the whole crystal making process.
Focus on Safety with Kidz Science
An important concern when buying scientific toys is safety, especially with young children. The Kidz Science kit takes several precautions to minimize risks and ensure safe use:
- All materials are non-toxic and child-safe
- Crystal powders are sealed until ready to use
- Detailed instructions cover safety guidelines
- Designed for Ages 5+ with adult supervision
- Toy safety glasses are recommended for children
Kidz Science also meets or exceeds the following toy safety standards:
- ASTM F963: Standard for toy safety requirements
- CPSIA: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
- EN 71: European toy safety standard
So you can have peace of mind knowing safety is a priority with the Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit. Proper adult supervision is still recommended for a fun, educational experience.
Enhance STEM Learning with These Resources
Beyond the crystal growing kit, there are plenty of other great ways to foster a love of science in children. Here are some recommendations:
Websites
- NASA Kids’ Club – space science games & activities
- National Geographic Kids – science videos, puzzles, and more
- TinkerLab – DIY STEM activities and projects
Books
- The Daring Book for Girls – Andrea Buchanan
- Rosie Revere, Engineer – Andrea Beaty
- The Magic School Bus Series – Joanna Cole
YouTube Channels
- SciShow Kids explains science concepts
- TheBrainScoop covers natural history
- Crash Course Kids teaches through engaging videos
Spark a lifelong interest in STEM at an early age with interactive, hands-on educational resources. The Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit pairs perfectly with these enriching activities.
Homeschooling Resources for Crystal-Growing Lessons
The Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit is an excellent tool for homeschooling families looking to make science lessons fun and interactive.
Homeschooling parents can use the crystal growing experiment to teach concepts like:
- States of matter – solids, liquids, gases
- Crystallization
- Molecular structure
- Observation and data collection
Pair crystal growing with reading from books like:
- Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks and Minerals
- National Geographic Readers: Rocks and Minerals
- Golden Guide to Rocks and Minerals
Then use the crystals grown in engaging art projects, science fair displays, or share results through homeschool co-ops.
Here are more helpful homeschooling resources:
Websites
- Home Science Tools – science curriculum guides, webinars, and kits
- TryEngineering – free crystal growing curriculum with worksheets
YouTube Channels
- Homeschool On – videos on science topics like crystals, fossils, and more
- Mystery Science – video lessons on STEM concepts
The Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit can clearly spark interest and reinforce science learning for homeschoolers of all ages!
Quality Time with Grandkids – Grow Crystals Together!
Grandparents are always looking for ways to bond with their grandkids while passing along wisdom and knowledge. The Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit is a perfect intergenerational STEM activity!
Here’s why grandparents love crystal growing:
- It unplugs kids from technology and screens
- There’s an opportunity for meaningful conversation while working on experiments together
- Children learn by watching their grandparents be curious about science
- Crystals grown can become cherished keepsakes reminding kids of time spent with grandparents
Other ideas grandparents can try with grandkids:
- Visit museums together – science, natural history, and geology exhibits
- Have kids help cook in the kitchen – explore chemistry concepts
- Tell stories about grandparents’ childhood science experiences
- Explore outdoors together – collect rocks, insects, and flowers for identification
- Read books about science, nature, and history
Quality time with caring grandparents nourishes children’s development in so many ways. Shared activities like crystal growing build bonds while nurturing a budding interest in science.
Make Crystals with Your Kids for Mom-Friend Quality Time
Moms are always seeking out new ways to engage with their children in a screen-free setting. That’s where the magic of the Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit comes in!
Here’s why crystals are an ideal mom-kid activity:
- Fosters creativity and curiosity in kids
- Provides learning opportunities about STEM topics
- Allows for fun bonding time doing a project together
- Gives kids a sense of wonder as the crystals form
- Promotes development of observation and problem-solving skills
Other fun learning activities for moms and kids:
- Bake cookies from scratch – explore kitchen chemistry
- Tend to houseplants together – learn about botany
- Craft DIY bird feeders with pine cones and peanut butter
- Have living room campouts and stargaze through a telescope
- Make homemade play dough together
Growing vibrant crystals offers the perfect screen-free project for moms to collaborate with kids and make memories that will spark a love of science!
Final Takeaways on the Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit
At the end of the day, the success of the Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit comes down to a few key advantages:
Educational: Provides interactive, hands-on STEM learning.
Easy: Simple setup gets kids growing gorgeous crystals fast.
Exciting: Vibrant colors and rapid results are mesmerizing.
Versatile: Grown crystals can be used in endless craft projects and displays.
Safe: Meets toy safety standards for child-safe use with supervision.
So if you’re looking for an entertaining STEM activity that reliably grows stunning crystals, look no further than the Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit! It delivers education and enjoyment for future scientists young and old.
For gift ideas and other science toys, check out our guides on:
- Best STEM Toys
- Top Chemistry Sets for Kids
- Best Telescopes for Beginners
Keep the learning adventures going and build STEM skills with the magic of crystal growing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best crystals to grow for beginners?
The Kidz Science kit is one of the best for beginners because it grows vibrant colored crystals like blue sodalite chloride and green copper sulfate quickly and easily. The detailed instructions make the crystal growing process simple even for first-timers.
How long does it take to grow crystals with the Kidz Science kit?
One huge advantage is the fast crystal growth, usually between 4 hours to 2 days. The proprietary formula allows the crystals to form rapidly so kids don’t lose interest. Other kits can take weeks or months for full crystal formation.
What materials are included in the Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit?
The kit comes with everything you need: 3 crystal powder samples (blue, green, purple), growth liquid, a plastic display chamber, 3 wooden spoons, a magnifying glass, a color guide, an experiment poster, and full instructions. All you need to provide is distilled water.
Is the Kidz Science Crystal Grow Kit safe for kids to use?
Yes, the kit is specially designed for safe use by children ages 5 and up with adult supervision. All the materials are non-toxic and child-safe. The kit also meets or exceeds toy safety standards like ASTM F963. Proper safety precautions are covered in the instructions.
What are some fun projects to do with the grown crystals?
There are endless crafts and projects you can create using the crystals you grow, like jewelry, ornaments, magnets, night lights, and more. Growing your own vibrant gemstones is extra rewarding when turned into handmade keepsakes and decorations!