Grow Your Own Crystal Heart

Science meets sparkle in this eye-catching crystal experiment—perfect for Valentine’s Day! Kids get to grow real, glittering hearts while learning how crystals form right before their eyes.

Supplies you’ll need:

• Pipe cleaners (pink/red work great)
• Borax powder
• Hot water
• Glass jars or heat-safe cups
• String and pencil or stick
• Spoon

Step-by-step

1. Bend pipe cleaners into heart shapes and tie string to the top.
2. Heat water and stir in borax (about 3 tablespoons per cup) until no more dissolves.
3. Pour solution into jars.
4. Suspend hearts so they don’t touch the sides.
5. Leave undisturbed for 12–24 hours.

As the water cools, it can no longer hold as much borax, causing the excess to crystallize and attach to the pipe cleaners, forming solid crystal structures.

To watch Kirsten demonstrate this experiment, follow @tulsakids on Instagram or TikTok.