Candy Crystal Construction

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In this activity, learners race against time to build a model crystal using two colors of candy as atoms. Learners arrange the candy in a repeating rock salt lattice, then try to recreate the structure under different conditions, such as building quickly, using one hand, dropping pieces onto the grid, or working with their eyes closed. By comparing build times and counting misplaced or missing atoms, learners explore how different construction processes can create defects in a material.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 2 different colors of candy, 13 pieces each (wrapped candy like Starburst is best)
  • Paper grid (included in the activity PDF)
  • Data sheet (included in the activity PDF)
  • Scoring Guide (for reference, included in the activity PDF)
  • Stopwatch
  • Camera (Smartphone preferred)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
    • Technology
      • Manufacturing
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking
  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color

Culture, ethnicity, and gender

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Penn State University; The Franklin Institute

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Penn State University, 2021

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, DMR-2011839

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