Growing crystals across the globe

Last year we succeed in enthusing more than 21,000 children with chemistry through our Global Experiment on vitamin C in fruits and vegetables. This year we’re hoping to do the same and reach students across the world with our 2014 Global Experiment: The Art of Crystallisation.

Through the experiment, we want to answer the question “What are the best conditions for growing crystals?” And we’re now looking for schools, groups and individuals to take part.

Take part by growing your own crystals

The experiment, which fits in with a Key Stage 3 curriculum, allows students to investigate the properties of five widely available samples by dissolving, saturating and growing crystals. The experiment uses non-specialised equipment and so can be completed easily at home or in schools.

Instructions and details for the experiment can be found on our online platform Learn Chemistry. To it we have added tips for teachers and technicians, example slide packs, student worksheets and participation certificates to make it easy and fun to take part. And our ‘how to’ video explains step-by-step how to take part.

Show us your results

The experiment also links with the International Year of Crystallography, which commemorates the centennial of X-ray diffraction, and we have partnered with The International Union of Crystallography on this experiment. More than that, it is also part of our portfolio of activities and events on the theme of chemistry and art. So in addition to adding you experiment data to our website, you can also post pictures of your crystals.

To take part visit Learn Chemistry.