Use the crystal-making experience to encourage students' creative writing. Each of us has seen the beauty of crystals after they are polished and cut and made into jewelry. Before you begin writing, think about a time that you saw a lovely piece of jewelry that was special to someone. Now tell the story of that special piece of jewelry and why it was special. Then have students write poems about the crystal shapes they observed.
Students can research birthstones and other gemstones.
Have them identify their birthstones and share with the class. This read aloud book tells the story of Bentley's work as developer of the process of microphotography and its beginning in his Vermont childhood. It not only is germane to the study of crystals, but also points out to young children that things they are curious about at a young age can become the focus for lifelong study. Depending upon the age of your students, either read the book to them, have them read the book, or have them research William A. Bentley. Students can create a coloring book of patterns they observed when examining the crystals they made.