Crystallization Competition in the School: An innovative teaching/outreach tool

• Published in: Acta crystallographica. Section A, Foundations and advances Foundations and advances, 2014-08, Vol.70 (a1), p.C1040-C1040
• Main Authors: García-Caballero, Alfonso, Lahoz, Fernando, Cuevas-Diarte, Miquel Àngel, García-Granda, Santiago, Gómez-Sal, Pilar, Esteve-Cano, Vicente, Pasán, Jorge, López de Andrés, Sol, García-Ruiz, Juan Manuel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2053-2733; 2053-2733
• DOI: 10.1107/S2053273314089591

Abstract only The Crystallization Competition in the School is an innovative contest on Crystallography and Crystallization for young students aged 12-16, successfully tried in five yearly editions. During the 2013/2014 school year, the Competition is coordinated by the Specialized Spanish Group of Crystallography and Crystal Growth throughout Spain in seven hosting areas, culminating in a National Final with a selection of the best crystallization projects. Objectives: a) To stimulate scientific vocations amongst secondary school pupils through an enjoyable and enriching activity; b) To explain basic concepts of Crystallography and Crystallization taking advantage of the natural attraction of crystal growth; c) To communicate how researchers work and compete in a scientific environment; d) To bridge the gap between science and society by conveying the importance of Crystallography in everyday life. Development: 1. Training of secondary school teachers (October-November 2013). A number of workshops entitled `Crystallography in the School' are organised to provide school teachers with specific training in Crystallography and Crystallization; 2. Laboratory work and experimental follow-up (December 2013-March 2014). The students grow spectacular large crystals using an innovative crystallization kit of ADP under the guidance of their teachers, while developing a solid understanding of the concepts involved: solubility, supersaturation, nucleation and crystal growth. Students may also develop other crystallization projects related to the formation of geodes, common salt crystallization in its different habits, and crystallization in gels; 3. Intermediate/Regional Finals (April 2014). The best crystallization projects nationwide are selected to present their crystallization projects at the National Final in Madrid; 4. National Final (10 May 2014, headquarters of CSIC). The format is similar to a `Scientific Congress', where the students have to present a crystal model and a poster of their work. * Organized by: GE3C, CSIC and The Crystallization Factory. * Sponsored by: FECYT, MINECO and Triana Science & Technology.