How to Explain Crystals to First Graders
To a class of first-graders, shimmering crystals can seem almost magical, ensuring that when it comes time for a lesson on crystals, you've got their attention. Knowing how to explain crystals to your class of first-graders in an easy-to-understand yet engaging manner will ensure you keep their attention so that they leave with a good basic knowledge of crystals.
Things You'll Need
- Sugar
- Water
- Jar
- Pencil
- String
- Different types of crystals
- "Into the Lost Crystal Caves" clip
Instructions
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Define what a crystal is for students by first giving them a simplified definition of atoms and molecules. Then, explain that crystals are simply organized groups of atoms and molecules, and that the arrangement of these atoms and molecules is what gives different crystals different shapes.
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De-mystify crystals. Most first-graders are likely familiar with crystals from jewelry. Explain how crystals are all around them. For instance, show them sugar and salt crystals, and explain how quartz is commonly used in watches. Have samples of some crystals to pass around.
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Explain how crystals form gradually over millions of years. When allowed to grow unrestricted over such periods of time, crystals obtain different shapes. The atoms and molecules they are made of are like their DNA, differentiating them from one another by color and shape. Explain how crystals often form when the liquefied rock from deep within the earth cools and hardens or when liquids from deep below the earth's surface snake their way through cracks in the ground.
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Show them crystals growing in their natural environment. Clips from National Geographic's "Into the Lost Crystal Caves" is a good visual aid. The show describes a cave with crystals up to 36 feet in length and weighing more than 55 tons. The children will also be captivated watching as the team of explorers endure scorching temperatures to access the crystals deep underground.
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Get the first graders to make their own sugar crystals. There's no better way to learn about crystals than by making these tasty treats. Boil a half-cup of water and add to it three-fourths of a cup of sugar, stirring the solution until the sugar has completely dissolved. Pour it into a jar. Tie a sting around a pencil and place the pencil over the top of the jar so the string hangs down and is submerged in the solution. Have the children inspect the jar daily as crystals grow on the string over a few days.
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References
- Photo Credit crystals image by Vasiliy Koval from Fotolia.com
