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Creating a Crystal Forest
http://www.maine.gov/doc/nrimc/mgs/education/lessons/act17.htm
From DLESE Community Collection (DCC)
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This demonstration reinforces the concept that minerals can form even at low temperatures, meaning that these processes can occur at or near Earth's surface. Using 'water glass' (sodium silicate nanahydrate) and any of a variety of metal salts, the teacher can grow crystals of silicate at room temperature in a container as the students watch and record their observations. A student worksheet and discussion questions are provided.
Intended for grade levels:
  • Middle (6-8)
  • High (9-12)
Type of resource:
  • For the classroom:
    • Presentation / Demo
Subject:
  • Chemistry
  • Geological Sciences:
    • Mineralogy or petrology
Technical requirements:
No specific technical requirements, just a browser required
Cost / Copyright:
No cost
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
DLESE Catalog ID: DLESE-000-000-008-661
Educational standards:
  • National Science Education Standards (NSES):
    • 5-8:
      • Unifying concepts and processes:
        • Evidence, models, and explanation
      • B - Physical science:
        • Properties and changes of properties in matter
      • E - Science and technology:
        • Abilities of technological design
    • 9-12:
      • Unifying concepts and processes:
        • Evidence, models, and explanation
      • B - Physical science:
        • Chemical reactions
        • Structure and properties of matter
      • D - Earth and space science:
        • Geochemical cycles
      • E - Science and technology:
        • Abilities of technological design
Resource contact / Creator / Publisher:
Publisher: Maine Department of Conservation
Maine Geological Survey
http://www.state.me.us/doc/nrimc/mgs/mgs.htm