Summary Grow crystals of borax/epsom salts/sugar, then activities that explain crystal struture. Science content Chemistry: Atoms, Molecules (3-7) Chemistry: Physical Changes, Solutions, Mixtures and Separating (2, 4, 5, 6) Chemistry: Crystals (7) Earth/Space: Rock cycle, Earth Materials, Natural resources (5) Activities in this lesson Epsom salt crystal painting Borax crystals Growing sugar crystals Crystal shapes from building blocks Crystal shape observation with magnifiers/microscope Mirror symmetry patterns Granite minerals Resource Snowflake crystals, individual images Procedure This lesson shows how crystals form. Choose from growing borax crystals on a pipe cleaner, making an Epsom salt painting, growing sugar crystals to eat. Use crystal stations to explore why crystal shapes are so regular:Crystal shapes from building blocks (can be one or more stations)Crystal shapes with magnifiers/microscopeMirror symmetry patternsGranite crystal study Discuss how the regular arrangement of atoms in a crystal define its shape. Show diamond molecular model. See repeating arrangement of atoms. The atoms line up to form flat faces. The arrangement of atoms determines what the outside shape of the crystal is. Real snowflake crystals growing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDPczGUovzE. Grades taught Gr K Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 4 Gr 5 Gr 6 Gr 7
