Snacks & Crafts

Be sure to get an adult’s help.

Edible Science: Rock Candy

Have you ever wanted to be a geologist? You can make your own rocks to study … or eat! This recipe makes one stick of rock candy and requires a bit of patience.

2–3 cups sugar

1 cup water

food coloring (optional)

wooden skewer

a jar or glass

clothespin

1. Mix 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a saucepan. Heat it over the stove and stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Gradually add more sugar until it can’t dissolve anymore. The water should be slightly cloudy.

2. Add food coloring or flavoring if you’d like.

3. Take the pot off the heat and let it cool.

4. Wet the skewer and roll it in sugar. Let it dry completely.

5. When the sugar water has cooled, pour it into a jar.

6. Once the skewer is totally dry, clip it with a clothespin and stick it into the jar. Rest the clothespin on the rim, and make sure the skewer isn’t touching the jar.

7. After about a week, you should have a full stick of candy. How do you think the rock grows? Come up with ideas and test them!