Nature is filled with patterns.
When molecules and atoms line up in a pattern that repeats itself symmetrically, they form crystals. Using basic household items and a bit of technique, you can grow crystals and watch them form.
This activity works well with Snowflake Shape Studies.
Salt Crystal Recipe
Materials:
Procedure:
1. Pour the hot water into the pie pan
2. Pour 1/4 cup of salt into the water and stir until it dissolves
3. Keep adding salt, one spoonful at a time, until no more salt dissolves
4. Let the solution cool slowly
5. Set plate aside, where it will not be disturbed for 8-12 hours
6. Record observations in your notebook
Rock Salt Crystal Recipe
Materials:
Procedure:
1. Tie the string around the middle of the pencil
2. Stir the rock salt into the hot water until the salt dissolves
3. Lay the pencil across the top of the cup so the string is in the salt water
4. Put the cup in a bright, sunny spot, like a windowsill
5. Do not disturb for two days, but check once or twice a day
6. Record observations in your notebook
*Rock salt is sold in grocery stores and used to make ice cream
Sugar Crystal Recipe
Materials:
Procedure:
1. Pour the hot water into the jar
2. Pour 1/2 cup of sugar into the water and stir until it dissolves
3. Stir in 1/2 cup of sugar until it dissolves
4. Keep adding sugar, 1/2-cup at a time until it dissolves
5. Wrap a towel around the jar, so it cools slowly *
6. Leave the jar in a place where it will not be disturbed for 2-3 DAYS.
7.Record observations in your notebook
* For the crystals to form successfully, the solution must cool SLOWLY. Keep the jar wrapped and undisturbed
Crystal Background:
Crystals actually grow because gas vapors melt into liquid solutions and are evaporated by heat. That’s why you use hot water and cool everything slowly.
NOTE: I’m always looking for ways to improve projects and activities. Contact me with your results or if anything is unclear to you.
