AboutRalph Salier-Hellendag Expertise Science Fair Judge for many years and experience with robotics, biology, chemistry, industrial processes, metalurgy and metal forming.
Experience Science Fair Judge for many years and have helped several students get to state level competition. Most recently 2 of my students received state level awards and one went on to the nationals in Washington DC.
Education/Credentials BA Archaeology - Anthropology
MA Business Anthropology
Question I tried to grow sugar crystals in water, but ended up with round, fuzzy,
white/green growths instead. I put the sugar in water and set it by a warm,
sunny window, and the growths began about 2 days. Do you have any idea if
the growths are mold or bacteria? And what the name might be. I have a
science fair next week! Thanks!
Answer Hi Mary,
It could be any number of moulds. Some colonial bacteria may take a similar form. Growing sugar crystals requires special circumstances and specially prepared sugar solution. You can still grow the crystals in time for your science fair but you can also use the mould for your experiment. Do you have access to a microscope? If not, may be they have one at the school and your teacher might help you use it. In the mean time, you can also take photos of the colonies and then watch how they grow. Their growth will be limited to the amount of food available (sugar).
