Minerals are the building blocks, crystals are the form. Students explored crystals as patterns within the natural environment. They 'grew' crystals from two common household staples: salt and sugar. We observed the crystals over 4 weeks and tracked our results.
1. Do sugar crystals grow faster than salt crystals?
2. Do sugar crystals have different shapes than salt crystals?
Vocabulario de Ciencias
ASK ME ABOUT: Why did the salt and sugar crystals have different shapes? Why do you think observing crystal shapes is important to understanding a mineral sample?
Observing, Describing, and Comparing Rock, Mineral, and Gemstone Samples
Students were given a special treat when our Museokit from the Glenbow Museum arrived two weeks ago! We examined a number of rock, mineral, and gemstone samples, sketching some of our favourites along the way. We even got to use our real-world problem solving skills to put the kit back together when it got all mixed up! (Oops!)
During our time with the Museokit students were...
- observing various type of minerals including gemstones
- discussing in small groups the type of lustre observed in minerals and rocks
- using instruments such as magnifiying glasses and flashlights to enhanced their sight
- sketching and drawing their birthstone
- reading and analizing interesting facts of their birthstone
- differentiating whether is a legend or a fact
ASK ME ABOUT: What was your favourite sample from the Museokit?
ASK ME ABOUT
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