Crystal Gardens

COSI

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In this activity, which requires adult supervision, learners get to explore the awesome power of chemistry. They will choose from one of two types of crystals they want to grow and see first-hand how nature creates these beautiful structures.

Preparation Time:: 10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:: 10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:: $1 - $5 per student
Age Range:: Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:: Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:: English

Materials List (per student)

6 tbsp. Water
6 tbsp. Non-iodized table salt
6 tbsp. Bluing (available in the laundry detergent section of supermarkets)
2 tbsp. Non-foaming regular ammonia (available in the cleaner section of supermarkets)
Lump of regular charcoal (do not use easy-light or quick-light charcoal)
Plastic bowl (like that used for margarine)
Food coloring

Keywords

Subjects

Earth and Space Science
- Earth Structure
  - Rocks and Minerals
Mathematics
- Algebra
  - Patterns
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry
  - Chemical Reactions

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

see
touch

Learning styles supported:

Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

Standards are located on page 2 of PDF

This resource is part of:

COSI Classroom Activities

Access Rights:

Free access

By:

COSI

Source Collection

COSI classroom and online activities

Rights:

All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009