Thursday, August 21, 2014

Welcome to the 2014-2015 School Year!


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.




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