Students will investigate: How does the amount of borax in hot water affect the size, shape, and color of our crystals? With an adult handling boiling water, students will safely measure and mix different amounts of borax, grow pink crystals on pipe cleaners, and compare their results with guidance from a friend who has completed the project. Students will exhibit labeled crystal samples and photos, then give a short oral explanation of how changing the borax amount affected crystal growth. A two-minute partner check-in will help students reflect on how their ideas changed, how they handled challenges, and what they would improve next time.

Students will safely measure and mix different amounts of borax into teacher-prepared hot water, then compare resulting crystal size, shape, and color. They will document crystal growth on pipe cleaners with observations and photos, using advice from a friend who has completed the project. Students will exhibit a labeled pink crystal sample and explain their results in a short presentation supported by evidence. During two-minute partner check-ins, they will reflect on changing ideas, challenges, and improvements for future investigations.

Create a test plan and photo record comparing crystal growth on pink pipe cleaners in solutions with different measured amounts of borax; an adult will handle the hot water. Track changes in crystal size, shape, and color over 2–3 days, then revise labels using feedback from a friend who has completed the project before. Exhibit the finished labeled samples with photos and present a short oral explanation of how borax concentration affected crystal growth. Complete a two-minute partner check-in about how ideas changed, how challenges were handled, and what to improve next time.

Begin with a gallery walk of pink crystal samples, photos, and labels, including an example or advice from a friend who has completed the project. In teams, observe the crystals’ size, shape, and color, then predict how changing the amount of borax dissolved in teacher-prepared hot water might affect growth. Introduce the essential question and preview the final exhibit and results presentation, which will include photos, a labeled pipe-cleaner crystal sample, and a short oral explanation. Close with a two-minute partner check-in about how observations changed initial ideas, possible challenges, and one improvement to test during the investigation.

Host a crystal gallery walk featuring pink crystal samples on pipe cleaners, process photos, and labels showing the different amounts of borax used. Students give a short oral presentation explaining how borax concentration affected crystal size, shape, and color, using measurement results as evidence. Invite the experienced friend, classmates, and families to view the displays and ask questions; an adult should handle hot water during preparation, and samples must not be tasted or touched. End with a two-minute partner check-in about how ideas changed, challenges were handled, and what students would improve next time.