Home > Events > NSW Branch > NSW Crystal Growing Competition 2013
NSW Crystal Growing Competition 2013 - 28 Jun 2013
Ending 28 June 2013, NSW
THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN CHEMICAL INSTITUTE Inc.
NSW CRYSTAL GROWING COMPETITION 2013
Do you want to have fun with Science? Would you like to do some simple chemistry experiments with your students? Then enter the NSW RACI Crystal Growing Competition 2013 and learn all about growing beautiful crystals.
Image 1: Alum
Image 2: Alum
Image 3: Copper sulphate
Image 4: An Iron Complex
Crystals are everywhere, just think of our daily lives. Sugar, salt, diamonds and emeralds are crystals and LCD computer and television screens work because of the many tiny crystals inside. Where else can you find crystals? How about your classroom? Enter this Competition to create your own crystals within five weeks and have a chance to have these crystals judged and displayed during National Science Week.
Why be involved?
Participation fulfils the NSW syllabus aims for both K-6 and 7-10 of developing competence, confidence and responsibility in science and technology. It provides a hands-on learning experience which allows students to acquire scientific knowledge and skills and develop understanding about phenomena within and beyond their experience. It helps build many of the skills required for Science Inquiry. And it is fun to do!
What's involved?
The competition is aimed at Primary and Junior Secondary school students with 3 ‘closed’ divisions:
K-Year 3, Years 4-6 and Years 7-8 and an Open Division for students from K-10 in which entrants may grow any crystal of their choice. The aim of the 3 ‘closed’ divisions is to grow the best possible crystals of Potash Alum (also called Alum or potassium aluminium sulphate - Alum is a non-hazardous chemical sometimes used in pickling food!) in 5 weeks. Crystals will be judged on shape and clarity in addition to size. The students growing the winning crystals in each division will receive certificates and trophies and winning schools receive a trophy. Winning crystals will be displayed in National Science Week.
Crystals must be sent for judging to the RACI office (address below) by Friday 28 June 2013 and the competition winners will be announced during National Science Week 2013 (August 10-18). Alum may be ordered from the RACI office and since crystals should be grown for a period of 5 weeks, alum ordered from the RACI will be sent to schools at the latest by the start of Term 2.
Entries may be by class, team or an individual but must be registered by a teacher. To participate, there is a $10.00 entry fee per school.
For entry forms and order forms for alum click Registration & Request for Alum
For more information and ideas about growing great crystals, contact Edwina Hine (Edwina.hine@gmail.com) or Jenny Jones (jennyjonesdr@gmail.com).
ENTER YOUR STUDENTS and HAVE FUN!
