Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to make your own crystals and understand the science behind their formation.
Materials and Prep
- Epsom salt or table salt
- Water
- Glass jar or container
- String or pipe cleaner
- Pencil or popsicle stick
- Food coloring (optional)
- Heat source (stove or microwave)
- Adult supervision for heating (if required)
Prior to the lesson, make sure you have all the materials ready and understand the safety precautions if using a heat source.
Activities
Start by preparing a supersaturated solution. Heat a cup of water until it is hot but not boiling. Stir in as much Epsom salt or table salt as you can until it dissolves completely. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the solution for colorful crystals.
Take a clean glass jar or container and tie a string or pipe cleaner around a pencil or popsicle stick. Make sure the string or pipe cleaner is long enough to hang into the jar without touching the sides or bottom.
Place the pencil or popsicle stick across the top of the jar so that the string or pipe cleaner hangs down into the solution. Make sure the string is fully immersed in the solution.
Leave the jar undisturbed in a cool and quiet place for several days. As the water evaporates, crystals will start to form on the string or pipe cleaner.
Observe the crystals regularly and record any changes you notice. Take note of their size, shape, and color. You can also take pictures to document their growth.
Once you are satisfied with the crystal growth, carefully remove the string or pipe cleaner from the jar and let it dry. You now have your own homemade crystals!
Eleventh Grade Talking Points
- "Crystals are solid materials made up of repeating patterns of atoms or molecules. They can form naturally or be grown artificially."
- "The process of making crystals involves creating a supersaturated solution, which means dissolving more solute (salt) in a solvent (water) than it can normally hold at a given temperature."
- "When the solution becomes supersaturated, the excess solute starts to come out of the solution and forms solid crystals. This is known as crystallization."
- "The shape and size of crystals depend on various factors such as temperature, concentration, and rate of evaporation."
- "Crystals have different properties and uses. For example, quartz crystals are used in electronic devices, while salt crystals are commonly used for seasoning and preservation."
- "Understanding crystal formation and properties is important in fields such as materials science, geology, and chemistry."