- Cut the pipe cleaner into 3 equal sections
- Twist the sections together at their centres to form a six sided snowflake. The snowflake should fit inside the jar
- Tie the string to the end of one of the snowflake arms.
- Tie the other end of the string to the pencil.
- You want the length of the string to be such so the pencil hangs the snowflake into the jar.
- Fill the jar with very hot water.
- Add borax one tablespoon at a time to the water, stirring to dissolve after each addition.
- The amount used is 3 tablespoons of borax per cup of water.
- If you want, you can tint the mixture with the food colouring.
- Hang the snowflake into the jar with the pencil resting on the top of the jar and the snowflake covered by the liquid.
- Leave the jar to sit undisturbed overnight.
Safety Tips
Because hot water is used and because borax isn't intended for eating, adult supervision is recommended for this project.
Disclaimer: Please follow the instructions carefully. This is for your own safety and the safety of others. Do not improvise or change the quantities or actions or othe order in which each step in the experiment is listed.