Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to successfully make crystals using household materials and understand the scientific principles behind their formation.
Materials and Prep
- Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate)
- Boiling water
- Glass jar or container
- String or pipe cleaner
- Pencil or popsicle stick
- Food coloring (optional)
- Protective eyewear and gloves (recommended)
- Paper towels
Before starting the lesson, make sure you have all the materials ready and ensure you have a clear workspace to work in. It is also advisable to wear protective eyewear and gloves for safety.
Activities
- Preparing the Crystal Solution: Dissolve Epsom salt in boiling water. Stir until no more salt can dissolve. You can add a few drops of food coloring if you want colored crystals. Let the solution cool down.
- Creating the Crystal Seed: Shape a string or pipe cleaner into a small loop or hang it from a pencil or popsicle stick. Make sure it is long enough to be submerged in the jar.
- Growing the Crystals: Carefully place the crystal seed into the glass jar. Slowly pour the cooled crystal solution into the jar until the seed is fully submerged. Place the jar in a safe location where it won't be disturbed. Observe the jar daily and record any changes you notice.
- Harvesting the Crystals: After a few days or weeks, crystals will start to form on the string or at the bottom of the jar. Gently remove the crystal seed from the jar and allow the crystals to air dry on a paper towel. Once dry, you can admire your beautiful homemade crystals!
Eleventh Grade Talking Points
- "Crystals are solid materials whose atoms are arranged in a repeating pattern called a crystal lattice."
- "The process of making crystals involves the formation of a supersaturated solution, where more solute (Epsom salt) is dissolved in the solvent (water) than it can normally hold at that temperature."
- "As the solution cools, the excess solute comes out of the solution and forms solid crystals on the seed or at the bottom of the container."
- "The shape and size of crystals depend on various factors, including the temperature, concentration of the solution, and the presence of impurities."
- "Crystals have a wide range of applications, from decorative purposes to industrial uses, such as in electronics and pharmaceuticals."