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Andrea Mulder-Slater
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CRYSTAL PAINTING
Submitted by: Janice McNair, a teacher at Copeland Elementary School in Augusta Georgia.
Grade/Subject Area:
GR. 4-6 - Science
Objectives:
To show student how crystals form as the solution evaporates.
Materials:
- thick constuction papers, dark colors are best
- box regular epsom salts from any source
- small bathroom sized cups(3 oz.)
- cotton swabs, several per student
- popsicle sticks
- water-room temperature
- measuring spoons
- magnifying glasses
Lesson Plan:
This part of the lessons is presented as a follow up to the teacher's demonstration of how to grow crystals, the definition of crystals, and a hands on time with a magnifying glass so students can see
crystals.
- Each student receives a dark colored piece of construction paper, one cup,
popsicle stick, and several cotton swabs.
- Fill the cups 1/2 full of room temperature water.
- Add epsom salts in small amounts (about 2 tablespoons at a time) until
the solution is saturated. Stir constantly as the salts are added.
- When the epsom salts no longer dissolve, let the solution sit for about five- eight minutes.
- Stir occasionally with the
popsicle stick.
- When the solution begins to thicken, use the cotton swabss as a
paintbrush and draw a picture on the paper.
- Draw in small increments.
- Retrace as needed. As the water evaporates, the crystals will reform leaving a line of shiny white material. It will feel like a ridge.
- The students can use magnifying glasses to investigate the crystals.
- They can compare the crystals in the painting with some crystals directly from the box of epsom salts.
- After the paintings dry, mount them on larger pieces of construction paper in a complimentary color and display.
- The students may want to write their names or do exotic and detailed work.
- Writing in a journal after the work is done includes a small drawing of what they drew.
Lesson © Janice McNair
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