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Who Can Make the Biggest Crystal?

Tameka WhitneyDallas ISD

W.W. Samuell High School

Faculty Mentor: Raymundo Arroyave, Ph.D. Department of Mechanical Engineering Texas A&M University

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Why is Computational Materials Science important?

• Provides the “recipe” for creating and testing a substance without using experimentation

• Simulates structural, mechanical & thermal properties

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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

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My E3 Experience Diagrams of

crystalline structures were generated from data obtained through simulations.

Copper unit cell Charge Density Diagram

Crystal structure of Copper

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Crystal Structures

Diamond Graphite

Crystal structures aid in understanding the properties of substances.

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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

Alum

Borax

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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

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Identify Problem

Brainstorm

Design

Build

Share Solution

Redesign Test & Evaluate

Design Process

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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)

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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

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Day 3

• Purchase materials

• Perform experimentation procedures and begin growing crystals

• Begin making brochure

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Day 4

• Make observations, record data and make adjustments if necessary

• Complete brochure

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Day 5

• Brochure and Crystal due

• Accountable Talk/Wrap-up

• Post-Test

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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

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Sample Price List for Crystal Supplies

Item Price/UnitCup of solute $1

Popsicle sticks

(set of 2)

$1

Pipe Cleaners

(set of 3)

$1

Use of water bath, dry ice or fridge

$5

Mason Jar $5

Plastic Cup $1

Food Coloring $1

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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.

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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

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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/