Snowflake Crystals

Solution

Homogeneous mixture where one or more substances are dissolved in another substance Solute- thing that’s getting dissolved (borax) Solvent- thing doing the dissolving (water)

Solubility- how well solute and solvent mix(or dissolve) together

Saturation

Point at which no more SOLUTE can be dissolved into a liquid

If you put in MORE solute in a solution after it has already reached saturation, it will no longer dissolve

Temperature and solubility

Increasing temperature(or energy) will cause water molecules to bounce around faster, leaving more space for additional borax to be added

Think of it like having a pass with friends and throwing the ball with more force

SUPER-SaturatedBy adding heat, more solute can be dissolved in the solution after it has reached saturation

Causing it to become…. SUPER-Saturated

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrCzAGPwcIY

***Supersaturated solutions are very unstable and will look for any imperfections to latch on to in order to crystalize***

Snowflakes

1. Do a rough copy of your snowflake using a scratch piece of paper

2. Get a coffee filter, and cut out final draft3. Color if you would like4. See adult to get “supersaturated” borax solution on plate 5. Leave on table to let it crystalize6. At the end of the day! Pour off extra solution and let it dry

overnight

Materials

Borax(purchase at grocery store) Coffee or tea maker (anything that will heat or boil water) Wooden spoon Coffee filters Plastic plates Scissors

Directions 1. Have students cut out a snowflake using a coffee filter2. Prepare SUPER-saturated solution (***by teacher or adult***)3. Prepare crystal solution by stirring borax into boiling water until no more will dissolve. You'll know the solution is ready if borax powder starts to accumulate on the bottom of your container. Solution should still be transparent, but should appear a little more viscous. 4. Place the paper snowflake onto a plate or saucer. Pour the crystal solution over the snowflake, making sure it is completely covered.5. Allow crystals to grow on the snowflake until you are satisfied with their size. Small crystals take about an hour to form. You can allow the crystals to grow overnight if you want larger crystals.