Crystal Growing Set

Comments about Crystal Growing Set:

My 9 year old grandson has learned alot about crystals and has inspired him to research more on the subject. Great learning tool.

Comments about Crystal Growing Set:

It was really simply and easy to mix the ingredients and start the process of growing the crystals, but it has been 1 month and we are still waiting for them to reach a decent size (the biggest one is the size of a egg yolk, but most are 1/3 that size). They are much smaller than anticipated and (although we are not at that stage yet) I don't see how we will attach them to the base to display. It was pretty disappointing for me but my 7 year old is still optimistic.

Comments about Crystal Growing Set:

The kit shown is not what you actually get. The kit you get is actually better. The packaging is much nicer and there is a light up stand that when you put your crystals on it makes them change color - very cool! I bought this kit to do with my almost 7 year old son. You do need to boil water which I did but the rest he was able to do. One of the best parts is mixing the color dyes to create your own color crystals. The poster inside has some neat information about crystals any my son thought it was cool enough to hang on his bedroom wall.

Overall, we really like the Smithsonian kits. It is difficult to find things for kids that are interesting and also educational - these kits seem to do exactly that every time.

Comments about Crystal Growing Set:

The crystals formed were very small and crumbled when touched. If the colored dye gets on anything it will be a problem.

Comments about Crystal Growing Set:

I was so excited about this gift for my son and he was thrilled when he received it. The crystal pack for the spiked crystals never dissolved so we anitcipated it wouldn't work and we were right. For one day it provided fun as we did the experiment together and watched the beginning stages of change. Neither type of crystal worked. They certainly weren't as big as they were supposed to be, the tiny ones that did form were all clear. The dye didn't change any of the crystals, they all ended up clear. The directions say to lightly rinse off and let them set for a day. Well, as you rinse them off, all the dye rinses off and the crystals dissolve. This left my son in tears and me so frustrated. Then the stand light is stuck on and won't shut off. A friend of mine tried a similar product and said it didn't work. I'd hoped coming from the Smithsonian it would be better quality. Not one aspect of this worked. This whole thing is a joke and they should be ashamed to sell it.

Comments about Crystal Growing Set:

Followed the directions and got very little crystal growth. What did form was not great and lacked color. Big disappointment.

Comments about Crystal Growing Set:

I love Smithsonian ideas for kids--they're presents where the young person learns as well as has fun--and it's something the child gets to DO. (Instead of staring at a monitor or screen). Also like that this particular item lasts....each day it grows; there's something new to look at and discover. To be honest, I bought this for an adult (and I wish someone would give it to me, because I'd love to do it!) Think many of the Smithsonian 'toy' ideas are really for any and all ages.

Comments about Crystal Growing Set:

This appears to be an excellent project for our son a grandaughter to share while being of interest to both.