ACS: Science ABCs - 'C' is for Crystals

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ACS: Science ABCs - 'C' is for Crystals

Carlita went out shopping
With baby brother, Tom,
Looking for a birthday gift—
A big surprise for Mom.

They found a crystal necklace,
So shiny and so bright.
They knew that Mom would love it
It was a pretty sight!

But when they saw the price tag,
They knew what they must do.
They started making crystals,
And now they have a slew!

 

Try this activity

What You’ll Need

  • Pencil
  • Index card
  • Black construction
    paper
  • Blunt-tipped scissors
  • 1 tablespoon hot tap water
  • Disposable clear plastic
    cup
  • 1 Tablespoon Epsom salts
  • Measuring cup and
    spoons
  • Cotton swab
  • Yarn or string

How does Carlita make her crystals?

Crystals are substances made of tiny particles that fit together in a pattern that repeats itself. A crystal will have a certain number of flat sides, sharp edges, and pointy comers. Examples of crystals include sugar, snowflakes (ice crystals), diamonds, and salts, such as the Epsom salt in this activity. When the water used to dissolve the Epsom salt evaporates, the salt particles arrange themselves into a repeating pattern to form beautiful crystals.

ACS (American Chemical Society)
Science Topics
Chemistry, Solubility & Saturation
K-6
Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Download PDFs
PDF File
Descriptions of PDFs

Try this activity

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ACS: Science ABCs - 'C' is for Crystals

Carlita went out shopping
With baby brother, Tom,
Looking for a birthday gift—
A big surprise for Mom.

They found a crystal necklace,
So shiny and so bright.
They knew that Mom would love it
It was a pretty sight!

But when they saw the price tag,
They knew what they must do.
They started making crystals,
And now they have a slew!

 

Try this activity

What You’ll Need

  • Pencil
  • Index card
  • Black construction
    paper
  • Blunt-tipped scissors
  • 1 tablespoon hot tap water
  • Disposable clear plastic
    cup
  • 1 Tablespoon Epsom salts
  • Measuring cup and
    spoons
  • Cotton swab
  • Yarn or string

How does Carlita make her crystals?

Crystals are substances made of tiny particles that fit together in a pattern that repeats itself. A crystal will have a certain number of flat sides, sharp edges, and pointy comers. Examples of crystals include sugar, snowflakes (ice crystals), diamonds, and salts, such as the Epsom salt in this activity. When the water used to dissolve the Epsom salt evaporates, the salt particles arrange themselves into a repeating pattern to form beautiful crystals.

ACS (American Chemical Society)
Science Topics
Chemistry, Solubility & Saturation
K-6
Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Download PDFs
PDF File
Descriptions of PDFs

Try this activity

What are you looking for?

Organization

ACS (American Chemical Society)

Website URL

Type of Resource

PDF File
Tutorial
Video

Assigned Categories