How to Grow Crystals

Nature is filled with patterns.

When molecules and atoms line up in a pattern that repeats itself symetrically, they form crystals. Using basic household items and a bit of technique, you can grow crystals and watch them form.

SALT CRYSTAL

Materials:

· 1/2 cup of hot tap water

· 1 aluminum pie pan

· 1 spoon

· 1/2 cup salt

· Notebook and pen or pencil

Procedure:

1. Pour the hot water into the pie pan

2. Pour 1/4 cup of salt into the water and stir until it dissolves

3. Keep adding salt, one spoonful at a time, until no more salt dissolves

4. Let the solution cool slowly

5. Set plate aside, where it will not be disturbed for 8-12 hours

6. Record observations in your notebook

ROCK SALT CRYSTAL

Materials:

· 2 TBS of rock salt*

· 1 cup of hot tap water

· 1 measuring cup

· 1 spoon

· 1 new pencil

· 1 piece of string

· Notebook and pen

Procedure:

1. Tie the string around the middle of the pencil

2. Stir the rock salt into the hot water until the salt dissolves

3. Lay the pencil across the top of the cup so the string is in the salt water

4. Put the cup in a bright, sunny spot, like a windowsill

5. Do not disturb for two days, but check once or twice a day

6. Record observations in your notebook

*Rock salt is sold in grocery stores and used to make ice cream

SUGAR CRYSTAL

Materials:

· 1 cup of hot tap water

· 2 cups of sugar

· 1 pint (16-ounce) jar

· 1 small pan

· 1 spoon

· 1 old towel

· Notebook and pen or pencil

Procedure:

1. Pour the hot water into the jar

2. Pour 1/2 cup of sugar into the water and stir until it dissolves

3. Stir in 1/2 cup of sugar until it dissolves

4. Keep adding sugar, 1/2-cup at a time until it dissolves

5. Wrap a towel around the jar, so it cools slowly *

6. Leave the jar in a place where it will not be disturbed for 2-3 DAYS.

7.Record observations in your notebook

* For the crystals to form successfully, the solution must cool SLOWLY. Keep the jar wrapped and undisturbed

Crystal Background:

Crystals actually grow because gas vapors melt into liquid solutions and are evaporated by heat. That's why you use hot water and cool everything slowly.

JJ Murphy is a freelance writer who helps companies, small businesses and individuals to express their awareness and dedication to developing sustainable technology and to preserve our natural resources. She writes articles for natural magazines, hiking publications, simple living publications in print and online. She also creates curricula to help public schools home schooling groups, private schools, wilderness camps, adult learning groups, and continuing education programs stretch and expand their students? knowledge. She holds a Master of Arts degree from the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas and a B.A. degree in English and Anthropology from the University of Connecticut. Her client list includes writers, business consultants, motivational speakers, psychologists, financial planners, educators, and politicians. Visit her website http://www.WriterByNature.com for articles, wild food recipes and for more information, including JJ's favorite places for gear and supplies. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JJ_Murphy

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