Making Stalagmites and Stalactites

We are learning are stalagmites and stalactites in science.  We are using the Christian Kids Explore Earth and Space book.  This year has been the first year using the Christian Kids Explore science books and we have thoroughly enjoyed them.  They make learning fun.  Last week we learned about how to grow stalagmites and stalactites.  It is super easy.

All you need is

• 2 glass jars or cups (can hold at least 8 oz of water)
• 2 paper clips
• 12 inch piece of string or cotton yarn
• Saucer plate (small)
• 2 cups Epsom Salts
• Mixing bowl
• 4 cups of warm water

Instructions

Take your string and tie 1 paper clip at each end of the string.  Heat up water until very warm.  Stir in enough Epsom Salts until no more can dissolve.  This was about   1 ¾ cups of Epsom Salts. Pour it in the jars equally until almost full.  Place the jars and the small saucer plate somewhere that receives light.  I put mine in my school window seal. Put a small amount of water/Epsom Salts mixture on the plate.  Place the string in each jar with the string dipping down lower than the water levels.

Have fun and watch them grow!  The stalagmites grow from the bottom up and the stalactites will grow from the string down.  When they connect in the middle it makes a column.  This is what happens in a cave.