Crystallization is an engaging topic that does not fit well into the chemistry standards at the middle school level, despite the potential for strong cross-curricular connections.  Using low hazard sodium chloride, with a sodium ferrocyanide additive that changes crystal morphology, an inquiry activity has been successfully implemented several times.  As an activity early in the year, the nature of the topic engages student interest and the relative safety of the materials permits open-ended experimentation.  Scanning electron microscope images and powder X-ray diffraction spectra provide advanced detail about crystal structure as possible extensions.

Sodium chloride crystallized with sodium ferrocyanide: Powder X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and middle school inquiry

244th National Meeting (2012)

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