Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My daughter is doing a science project in which she is attempting to grow sugar crystals with white sugar, brown sugar and powdered sugar. For the first experiment we followed directions found online. The white sugar did not grow crystals on the string (we prepped the string according to directions we found online) only a few on top. The powdered sugar turned into a big lump in the jar and grew no crystals. The brown sugar also did not grow crystals. We plan on beginning a second attempt. Any advice on how we could be more successful?

Dear Maureen,
I think that you need to add more sugar to the solution to make it more saturated and also make sure that the glass jars are not put near a vent or stove and arein a dry place at a constant temperature. If it is very warm the sugar may not have a chance to form any crystals and os I think by adding more sugar to the solution so it is super saturated will help you. You could also try using the regular granulated sugar for your experiment. you may also want to give more time for the crystals to form.
Take care'
jay