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 Sugar crystals Crystal shapes from building blocks Crystal shape observation Granite minerals Rocks: geodes Mirror symmetry patterns Resource Snowflake crystals, individual images Procedure Grow crystals: Choose from making an Epsom salt painting, growing borax crystals on a pipe cleaner, growing sugar crystals to eat. Discuss how the crystals form: when these solids form, the molecules line up in a regular repeating pattern. The aligned molecules make flat smooth surfaces which light can bounce off - hence crystals are shiny. If available, show a molecular model of a diamond (or other crystal). Turn the model to see the repeating arrangement of atoms and the flat faces that they create. The arrangement of atoms determines what the outside shape of the crystal. Different molecules arrange in their own way, so we find many different crystal shapes. Not all solids form crystals - in some solids the molecules are more randomly arranged. Use crystal stations to highlight crystals and their shapes: Crystals in rocks with the granite crystal study and other crystals in rocks e.g. large amethyst piece or geodes. Crystal shapes: identify different crystals' shapes Crystal shapes from building blocks: use building toys to build crystal shapes from units Mirror symmetry patterns: make repeating, symmetrical patterns, similiar to crystal shapes 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
