Can be implemented with groups as small as one or two or as large as 50-60. They are portable and easily accessible to students. A Swift M3200 biology microscope has been adapted for this project. Panasonic WV-CD110A solid state mini camcorder is attached to the microscope column and connected to a Sony color monitor. Nikon FE2 camera body is attached to the microscope for photography.
Students grow their own crystals directly on microscope slides from aqueous solution.
Lesson plans with specific suggestions for class experiments and materials are available for teachers interested in adapting the program. A connection with the elements of art is also made. A camera is added to take photographs of the crystal patterns and a mini camcorder is connected to a TV monitor so that the entire class can watch as crystals are formed from evaporating solutions. Overall Value Students learn and retain more when they are motivated. They are fascinated by the mystery of the opening presentation and this fascination builds as they grow their own crystals and look deeper into the endless variety of colorful geometric patterns.