Who Can Make the
Biggest Crystal?
Tameka Whitney
Dallas ISD
W.W. Samuell High School
Faculty Mentor: Raymundo Arroyave, Ph.D.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Texas A&M University
Page 1
Why is Computational Materials
Science important?
• Provides the “recipe” for creating
and testing a substance without
using experimentation
• Simulates structural, mechanical
& thermal properties
Page 2
Where do I fit in?
My role is to generate data based
on the structural properties of
copper-tin alloys that may be
used in the soldering process
Page 3
My E3 Experience
Diagrams of
crystalline structures
were generated from
data obtained
through simulations.
Crystal structure of Copper
Copper unit cell
Charge Density Diagram
Page 4
Crystal Structures
Diamond
Graphite
Crystal structures aid in understanding
the properties of substances.
Page 5
The Connection…
Allow students to create their own crystals to
study the structure and properties of the
crystals that are formed as a result of the
different types of bonding
Epson Salt
Borax
Alum
Page 6
TAKS Objective & Related TEKS
Objective 1 Nature of Science
TEKS 2E, F, H and I -- uses scientific
methods to solve investigative
questions
TEKS 3E -- uses critical thinking,
scientific reasoning, and
problem solving to make
informed decisions
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TAKS Objective & Related TEKS
Objective 4 Chemistry
TEKS 7D -- how atoms form ionic,
metallic, and covalent bonds
Page 8
Identify Problem
Brainstorm
Design Process
Design
Build
Redesign
Test & Evaluate
Share Solution
Page 9
Pre-AP Chemistry Project
• Who can create the largest
crystal?
• Web Quest
• “Purchase” materials
($50 budget)
• Create a brochure advertising
their “recipe”
• Gallery Walk (Chemistry
Classes)
Page 10
Day 1
• Pre-Test (possibly given at an
earlier time)
• Review types of bonding and
introduce crystals
• Announce project
• Assign groups (3-4 students)
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Day 2
• Internet search for information on
project (Web Quest)
--how to grow crystals
--substances that may be used
--how growth rate is affected
by external stimuli (e.g.,
temperature, amount of light,
etc.)
• Create a procedure for growing a
crystal
Page 12
Day 3
• Purchase materials
• Perform experimentation
procedures and begin growing
crystals
• Begin making brochure
Page 13
Day 4
• Make observations, record data
and make adjustments if
necessary
• Complete brochure
Page 14
Day 5
• Brochure and Crystal due
• Accountable Talk/Wrap-up
• Post-Test
Page 15
Gallery Walk
Students from Chemistry classes
will view and score crystals using
specific criteria such as:
»Clarity of crystal-making
instructions
»Size of crystal
»Creativity
Page 16
Sample Price List for Crystal Supplies
Item
Price/Unit
Cup of solute
$1
Popsicle sticks
(set of 2)
Pipe Cleaners
(set of 3)
Use of water bath, dry
ice or fridge
Mason Jar
$1
Plastic Cup
$1
Food Coloring
$1
$1
$5
$5
Page 17
Sample Question
The reason salt crystals, such as KCl,
hold together so well is because the
cations are strongly attracted to
A. neighboring cations.
B. the protons in the neighboring
nucleus.
C. free electrons in the crystals.
D. neighboring anions.
Page 18
Special Thanks
•
•
•
•
•
E3 Team
Dr. Raymundo Arroyave
Min Soo Park
Anchelee Junkaew
National Science Foundation
(NSF)
• Nuclear Power Institute (NPI)
• Texas Workforce Commission
(TWC)
• Chevron
Page 19
Resources
• K. Momma and F. Izumi, "VESTA: a three-dimensional visualization
system for electronic and structural analysis," J. Appl. Crystallogr.,
41:653-658, 2008
• www.tamu.edu
• www.well.ox.ac.uk/kitchen.shtml
• www.ehow.com/how_4828964_own-alum-crystals.html
• azareal.wordpress.com/
• www.wgbh.org
• www.nysedregents.org/
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