Science Smarts: Let’s get crystal clear

By Medicine Hat News on March 16, 2024.

The beautiful weather this week has me thinking that spring is not far away now! I am dreaming of getting my hands dirty in the yard and garden once again…my eagerness often results in replanting numerous plants so I am trying to hold off by starting my own “garden” indoors. Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

• charcoal briquettes

• empty pie tin or container of your choice

• blueing (found in the laundry section)

• H2O (water)

• NaCl (salt)

• NH3 (ammonia)

• food colouring

• measuring spoons

• measuring cups

• mixing bowl

• spoon to stir with

• goggles

• gloves

• newspaper

• work area

• adult helper

Procedure

1. You will need to wear goggles and gloves for this experiment. An adult MUST also help you.

2. Please work in a well ventilated area as ammonia is quite strong smelling.

3. Find a nice flat, sturdy surface to work on. You may want to cover the area with old newspaper as this experiment can get messy!

4. Take two briquettes and beak into smaller pieces.

5. Lay the smaller pieces of briquettes in the pie tin or container you will be using.

6. Measure 90 mL (6 tablespoons) of blueing and place in the mixing bowl.

7. Measure and pour in 30 mL (two tablespoons) of water.

8. Stir well.

9. Add 90 mL (6 tablespoons) of salt toe the blueing mixture.

10. Carefully add 15 mL (1 tablespoon) of ammonia.

11. Mix all of the ingredients VERY well.

12. Carefully pour this mixture over the briquettes in the container.

13. You might see some salt on the black briquettes as it often will not all dissolve. Do not worry – this is fine, your experiment will still work.

14. If you want crystals of different colours, sprinkle drops of food colouring over your garden.

15. The crystals will take some time before they start to grow, but it will be worth it! I think they are absolutely beautiful.

Explanation

I love sharing this experiment as it is one that goes back to my childhood. Some of my earliest memories of doing experiments at home include doing this experiment during Easter break. The crystals were absolutely beautiful and had so many different colours of blue in them.

Please be patient! It will take some time for the crystals to begin to grow as the liquid needs to begin to evaporate into the air. As the liquid evaporates, the atoms and molecules join together much tighter. As the atoms join together, they form amazing crystals for you to enjoy.

Don’t forget to register for the Regional Science Fair as the deadline is fast approaching. The link to register can be found at: http://www.online-registration-system.com/ab/seab/. March 23 will be an exciting day as all of the young scientists from southeastern Alberta will be showcasing their projects at Medicine Hat College!

See you there!

Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community”. Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403.527.5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca.

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