Curious About Crystals
Sixth graders conducted three different investigations in an
attempt to identify an unknown crystal.
Students compared the unknown substance to table salt, MSG, Epsom salt,
and sugar. The first test consisted of
looking at the crystal shapes under a microscope. Similarities and differences were noted as
the known substances were compared to the unknown.
After completing the investigations, the class decided that the unknown substance had
characteristics most like Epsom salt.
They used the process of elimination to make their decision. The MSG did not have the same shape of crystals as the unknown. The sugar dissolved in water faster than the unknown. The salt did not crush into smaller pieces like the unknown.
The closest substance was Epsom Salt. The best conclusion was some type of salt similar to Epson salt.
The unknown substance was Kosher Salt.
