Science Fair Crystals

Here's a look at some options for science fair crystals, listed from beginner to more advanced. Science projects at the middle school level onwards should apply the scientific method.

Collections
Find examples of common crystals. These could include quartz, salt, sugar, and snowflakes. What other common materials are made from crystals? Did you know that the cut 'crystal' used for some glasses isn't really made from crystal at all?

Models
Crystals can be categorized according to their properties. You could make models of the crystal lattices and find examples of each crystal type. Models can be constructed from toothpicks and clay or from paper. Be creative!

Growing Crystals from Kits
If you are new to crystals, you might want to see if you can grow a crystal from a kit. Once you get the hang of it, play with the factors that could influence crystal growth. What happens if you use water that is a different temperature? What happens to crystals you try to grow in the refrigerator compared with crystals you grow on the counter?

Growing Crystals Yourself
Growing crystals yourself can be as straightforward as growing crystals from a kit or it can involve answering many questions and solving many problems.

Prevent Crystal Growth
Sometimes crystals are undesirable. Not many people like to be stabbed by ice while eating ice cream. Can you think of ways to prevent crystals from forming in frozen foods? Where else are crystals a problem?

Growing crystals or even finding them can be as much an art as a science. Here are some points to keep in mind when doing a science project that involves crystals.

• Crystals take time to grow!
  Plan ahead if you are growing a crystal that takes days or weeks to reach the size you want. If you are pressed for time, use a recipe for quick crystals.
  
  
  
• Allow Time for Mistakes
  If you are growing crystals, keep in mind you might need to develop some crystal-growing skill before they turn out the way you want. Allow enough time in your project to repeat steps in case of mistakes or accidents. Science can be messy.
  
  
  
• Consider the safety of the ingredients.
  You can grow crystals using ingredients safe enough to eat, like sugar, salt, or alum. If you choose a project that uses a non-edible chemical, be sure the project is permitted. Some science fairs and schools have strict policies about the types of materials you can use. This especially applies if you want to show off your finished crystals.