kaylk in tx Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 I wanted to do this activity to grow stalagtites but don't know what washing soda is???? I'm assuming it would be in the laundry aisle at the grocery store? COOL CAVE STALAGTITES Needed: washing soda (get at grocery) hot tap water foot-long piece of string 2 baby food jars two washers small dish Tie a washer to each end of the string. Fill the two jars with hot water and stir in washing soda until no more will dissolve in the water. Place the ends of your string into the two jars, with the ends of the string touching the bottom of the jars. Put the dish between the two jars so you have a loose, drooping string "bridge" hanging over it, from one jar to the other. Let sit for 4 or 5 days. A cave-like stalagtite (formation that grows down from the ceiling) and stalagmite (formation that grows up from the floor) will start to grow over the dish at its lowest point. TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammy Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 It is usually next to Borax at the grocery store.....try looking for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 I thought that you could use Borax as washing soda. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibbygirl Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 I buy this one. http://www.buythecase.net/uploads/products/200/3320003020.jpg It's in the laundry aisle at the grocery store near the borax. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammy Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 Not for that experiment....it isn't the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plain jane Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 I wanted to do this activity to grow stalagtites but don't know what washing soda is???? I'm assuming it would be in the laundry aisle at the grocery store? COOL CAVE STALAGTITES Needed: washing soda (get at grocery) hot tap water foot-long piece of string 2 baby food jars two washers small dish Tie a washer to each end of the string. Fill the two jars with hot water and stir in washing soda until no more will dissolve in the water. Place the ends of your string into the two jars, with the ends of the string touching the bottom of the jars. Put the dish between the two jars so you have a loose, drooping string "bridge" hanging over it, from one jar to the other. Let sit for 4 or 5 days. A cave-like stalagtite (formation that grows down from the ceiling) and stalagmite (formation that grows up from the floor) will start to grow over the dish at its lowest point. TIA This sounds exactly like the experiment I did from CKE Earth & Space. Their experiment called for epsom salts instead. We had success using those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 I thought that you could use Borax as washing soda. Borax is sodium perborate and washing soda is sodium carbonate--not to be confused with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) but the box looks like a bigger lighter colored box of baking soda. (Washing soda is toxic by the way - another important distinction!) They can be used to accomplish the same task in the laundry, but are chemically very different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 Borax is sodium perborate and washing soda is sodium carbonate--not to be confused with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) but the box looks like a bigger lighter colored box of baking soda. (Washing soda is toxic by the way - another important distinction!) They can be used to accomplish the same task in the laundry, but are chemically very different. Ah - thanks for the explanation! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennC Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 We have this same experiment in a book and it lists Borax as the item you need . Go Figure :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaylk in tx Posted August 7, 2009 Author Share Posted August 7, 2009 maybe i'll buy everything in the laundry aisle and we'll do experiments to see which ones actually work to make crystals! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennC Posted August 8, 2009 Share Posted August 8, 2009 don't forget to try sugar. I'd try salt, too. Not saying it'd work, but I'd try it (sugar I know works) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldenMolly Posted August 8, 2009 Share Posted August 8, 2009 http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71947321.tip.html Especially the first post RE: Where Can I Buy Washing Soda? By oredwine1933 (14) ContactPosted by John (johng AT effingham.net) on Mon, Feb 25, 08 at 11:14 Call this phone number 1-800-524-1328 and have the UPC code 33200-03020. The service will ask for your zip code and then tell you places in your area that sell the item. I believe this service will locate most items if you have the UPC code number. My area said the Kroger store. I did this and found a Kroger store near had it. Posted on 07/30/2009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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