Elizabeth Ann Hills

Lame Deer Junior High
School
Lame Deer, MT

 

2000

Explorations in Biomedicine

Summer Research Teacher

 

C. Subah Packer, Ph.D.
 Indiana University School of Medicine
Indianapolis, IN
 

2000

Summer Research Host
Exploring Crystals Or "What Is That Stuff?"
Grade Level: Elementary - Middle School
Subject: Physical Science
The purpose of this activity is to acquaint students with basic properties of crystals using an inquiry-based format that will include brainstorming/questioning, observations, and drawings by the students in the initial section. The second part of the inquiry will lead the students to activities that will include the growing of crystals while exploring the supersaturating of liquids and further exploration of crystals using assorted hands-on activities. This activity can be adapted for students from third grade up through middle school.
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Teacher Resources Related to this Activity  
  • Find material safety data sheets for epson salts (magnesium sulfate), NaCl, and sugar (sucrose) at Flinn Scientific
  

Criteria useful for reviewing

student-centered learning activities include:

In this
activity..

 

An inquiry level of 4 or 5

4

  
An integrated Internet component No  
Assessments for content knowledge Yes  
Assessments for process skills Yes  
Addressed the "ABC" rules for humans and/or animal use N/A  
Use of multiple learning styles and opportunities for all students Yes  
Proper safety precautions and warnings Yes