| Nature is filled with patterns. | | | | 1. Tie the string around the middle of the pencil |
| When molecules and atoms line up in a pattern that | | | | 2. Stir the rock salt into the hot water until the salt |
| repeats itself symetrically, they form crystals. Using | | | | dissolves |
| basic household items and a bit of technique, you can | | | | 3. Lay the pencil across the top of the cup so the |
| grow crystals and watch them form. | | | | string is in the salt water |
| SALT CRYSTAL | | | | 4. Put the cup in a bright, sunny spot, like a windowsill |
| Materials: | | | | 5. Do not disturb for two days, but check once or |
| · 1/2 cup of hot tap water | | | | twice a day |
| · 1 aluminum pie pan | | | | 6. Record observations in your notebook |
| · 1 spoon | | | | *Rock salt is sold in grocery stores and used to make |
| · 1/2 cup salt | | | | ice cream |
| · Notebook and pen or pencil | | | | SUGAR CRYSTAL |
| Procedure: | | | | Materials: |
| 1. Pour the hot water into the pie pan | | | | · 1 cup of hot tap water |
| 2. Pour 1/4 cup of salt into the water and stir until it | | | | · 2 cups of sugar |
| dissolves | | | | · 1 pint (16-ounce) jar |
| 3. Keep adding salt, one spoonful at a time, until no | | | | · 1 small pan |
| more salt dissolves | | | | · 1 spoon |
| 4. Let the solution cool slowly | | | | · 1 old towel |
| 5. Set plate aside, where it will not be disturbed for 8-12 | | | | · Notebook and pen or pencil |
| hours | | | | Procedure: |
| 6. Record observations in your notebook | | | | 1. Pour the hot water into the jar |
| ROCK SALT CRYSTAL | | | | 2. Pour 1/2 cup of sugar into the water and stir until it |
| Materials: | | | | dissolves |
| · 2 TBS of rock salt* | | | | 3. Stir in 1/2 cup of sugar until it dissolves |
| · 1 cup of hot tap water | | | | 4. Keep adding sugar, 1/2-cup at a time until it dissolves |
| · 1 measuring cup | | | | 5. Wrap a towel around the jar, so it cools slowly * |
| · 1 spoon | | | | 6. Leave the jar in a place where it will not be |
| · 1 new pencil | | | | disturbed for 2-3 DAYS. |
| · 1 piece of string | | | | 7.Record observations in your notebook |
| · Notebook and pen | | | | * For the crystals to form successfully, the solution |
| Procedure: | | | | must cool SLOWLY. |