Pre-Class Prep Materials for the Crystals Class
NOTE: We will be cracking open geodes in class so please wear long pants, closed toed shoes, and bring eye protection if you have it. We’ll also have some eye protection to borrow. If you have geodes that you would like to share you’re welcome to bring them to class, but please put your name on them using masking tape.
Vocabulary:
- Crystallography
- Crystal
- Crystallization
- Atom
- Crystal systems
- Geode
For All Ages:
http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/education/ask/?quid=742 this is a Question and Answer page, from Cornell, all about how crystals from. It’s all text so you may need to read this to younger students.
http://skywalker.cochise.edu/wellerr/students/crystals/project.htm this is a good page all about the different shapes of crystals. We’ll be making these shapes in class (for 8-12’s)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laMZAJ2L_1Y Here is a 10 min. video from Discovery Channel all about the giant crystals found in the Naica Crystal Cave in Mexico. It will amaze you!
http://homechemistry.blogspot.com/2010/03/salt-crystal-trees.html this is a great laboratory protocol for growing salt crystal trees at home. It’s quite easy and done with household items.
For Parents:
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/captivating-crystals-newsletter/a/1564/ this page had a neat background on crystals (at the bottom) and at the top it has two different recipes for growing crystals at home, and comparing crystal growth between borax and sugar.
Who is the Infinite Spider?
Some of you may have noticed that I am posting with the name “The Infinite Spider.” This is actually my personal blog user name, through which I am running about four other blogs for Home School, Volunteers, Estuary Chesapeake, and my own blog.
You are welcome to check out my blog or follow the postings at http://theinfinitespider.wordpress.com/. The blog is for those who love nature and those teaching science and nature classes. IF YOU NEED A GOOD LIST OF PLACES TO BUY SCIENCE RELATED CHRISTMAS GIFTS OR CLASSROOM SUPPLIES check out the Nature Gifts and Teaching Supplies tab.
I Need Pictures of the Crab Hydraulics Class, Can You Help?
I would like to write a short article for the SERC blog or newsletter about our blue crab hydraulics class. If you have any pictures that you’d be willing to share please send them to me at McDonaldK@si.edu. Thanks!
SERC Home School 