Project 3
The Mystery of Crystals

 
   

 

 

> Project 3 : Engineering Activity Kits
The Mystery of Crystals: a Materials Science Perspective

Team members: Autumn Wyda, Tommy Figiel, & Naoki Kimura

Instructions on Crystallization

Materials:

- dishwashing liquid
- clear plastic holder (either cup or plate)
- small paintbrush (your finger will suffice)
- small plastic cup
- A tablespoon (15ml) measuring spoon
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Epsom salt, Table salt and sweet n’low
- warm water

Procedure:

1. Squeeze 3 drops of dishwashing liquid onto the center of your clear surface.
2. Use a paintbrush (or your finger) to evenly spread the dishwashing liquid over the surface.
3. While the soap dries, place a tablespoon of Epsom salts into your small plastic cup.
4. Add 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of warm water to Epsom salts in your cup.
5. Stir until all of the salt dissolves in the water.
6. Pour out a reasonable amount of the dissolved salt solution onto the dried areas of the detergent on the transparency. Use the bowl of the spoon to spread the solution as evenly as possible over the surface.
7. Allow the puddle to dry then see what happens. (This can take 15-30 minutes)

Repeat this procedure with the table salt and sweet n’low.
While waiting for your solutions to dry, report to your chief of investigations (teacher).

Play with the gumdrops.

Compare your results of the Epsom salt, table salt and sweet n’low crystals to the crystals from the crime scene. From this experiment, can you tell who committed the crime?

Links

Main
The Story
Instructions for Kids
Instructions for the Teacher
Demo for the Teacher
Pictures