Carolyn N. Kinder
Objective The student will be introduced to the basic techniques and procedures which they will follow in their study of crystal growth.
Materials Needed: Inexpensive microscopes, microscope slides, salt and sugar.
Procedure Place some salt on a microscope slide and look at it through the microscope. Describe what you see. Draw a picture of what you see. Next place some sugar on a microscope slide and look at it through the microscope. Describe what you see. Draw a picture of what you see.
Discussion When these substances are dissolved in water they seem to disappear. We know the substances salt and sugar have not been destroyed, for the water tastes salty or sweet. If the water is evaporated the solid substances will be restored.
Follow Up Make a small solution of salt and water. Place a drop of this solution on a microscope slide, use a toothpick. Observe the drop through the microscope as it evaporates. Describe what you see. Repeat using a small solution of sugar and water. Describe what you see.