The kids will learn the simple principles and procedures that underline
the basics of materials science and chemical engineering.
To keep the kids interested, we will give this initial background
so that there is a problem-solving aspect and a clear goal.
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Story
Outline
Headline. School keys stolen! Find out who took
the keys based on the given clues. A footprint left at the crime
scene had produced a crystal that we believe is one of these three
substances: table salt, epsom salt, and sweet 'n low.
Your Job
Determine what the crystal is and determine who
stole the keys. Those who find the right culprit will get a reward. |
Process and Activity Description
Our Materials Science expert (Autumn) explains, Crystal Structures
form from certain specific chemical properties that allow atoms to
bond in certain formations. Utilizing this property, we will educate
kids on how materials have unique characteristics. By dissolving certain
household goods into a solution, we will then proceed to dry them
out and create crystal structures on cheap transparencies. While the
kids wait for their transparencies to dry (everyone with different
processes like temperature and time) there will be additional interesting
materials science activities that will be done, such as the creation
of atomic structures with toothpicks and gumdrops. Such activities
will also have an engineering aspect, as structural integrity will
be tested with those molecules, once made.
Target Age Group
This activity has the following advantages. It is easy to follow,
very interesting, and not very difficult for the teacher to set up.
Unfortunately, it has the possibility of getting messy, and the possibility
of kids getting bored because it does take some degree of patience.
Keeping that in mind, the targeted age group for this activity can
be quite wide. We think that it would be good for kids between the
grades of 4 through 6.
Items Needed.
What the kids will do and How they will
learn from it
By setting up the activity in a problem-solving situation, the kids
learn to utilize the decision-making and problem-solving skills necessary
in all engineering aspects.
The procedure requires a lot of participation from the kids. The kids
get to experience the advantages and disadvantages to a hands-on learning
process; something that is not usually expected in a normal classroom
environment.
The kids learn a quick and fun way to make cool crystals, adding to
FUN!
Links
Main
The Story
Instructions for Kids
Instructions for
the Teacher
Demo for the Teacher
Pictures
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