Angela Hutchinson Charcoal Crystals EDUC 224 Introduction to Scientific Inquiry October 3, 2013

Objectives In this experiment, we are going to learn how to grow crystals and how natural element affect them. Safety Statement Recommended that gloves and safety goggles are used when working with students. This experiment also requires a well-ventalated area, due to the chemicals being used. Time Requirement Approximately 30 minutes Supplies
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

2 tablespoons laundry detergent 2 tablespoons table salt 2 tablespoons liquid bluing 2 tablespoons ammonia Pie pan Small glass jar Disposable spoon 4 charcoal briquettes Food coloring

Procedure 1. Have your students mix a solution of laundry detergent, table salt, liquid bluing and ammonia together in a small glass jar. Make sure they avoid breathing in the ammonia fumes. (may want to do outside, if possible) 2. Stir the mixture with a spoon until the ingredients are well mixed. 3. Ask them to place four charcoal briquettes in the pie pan and add a few drops of food coloring onto each piece of charcoal (I would use one color per briquette). 4. Now, have them spoon the mixed solution on top of the charcoal. 5. After the solution has been applied to the briquettes, they need to begin timing how long it takes before they begin to notice crystallization. 6. Next have them observe the changes over the next thirty minutes, having them check it about every five minutes.

7. Finally, have them document the data in the chart on the lab worksheet. Be sure they give specific details of the outcome. 8. They will notice that beautiful colors and shapes begin to emerge from the chemical reaction. 9. Complete the lab worksheet, the group lab report, and individual Science Journals.

References Dean, E. (2013, August 19). Make Colorful Crystals from Coal | Activity | Education.com. Retrieved September 27, 2013, from http://www.education.com/activity/article/Colorful_Crystals_Coal/

Name:___________________________

Date:___________________

Charcoal Crystals Lab Worksheet 1. Create a hypothesis by answering the following question: What do you think will happen when the solution is added to the charcoal? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Time 5 min. 10 min. 15 min. 20 min. 25 min. 30 min. Description of what is taking place.

2. What 3 major elements help to form crystals? (Answer: water, temperature, air and the substance within the matter) 1. ________________________________ 2. ________________________________ 3. ________________________________

3. Would you get less crystals if you used less salt in the solution? (Answer: It would just take longer to saturate and form crystals) ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 4. Would you get smaller or larger crystals if the crystalization process was slower? (Answer: larger) ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

5. Writing Assignment: In your Science Journal, write down three things that you learned from this experiment and your peers. Did anyone make any good suggestion?

6. Lab Report Assignment: In your group, discuss what you think is taking place. Use the data that you placed in the chart. Each group will submit one lab report for the group.