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Grades 7–12. Through several hands-on activities that focus on solutions and crystal growing, students learn about physical science and engineering concepts. Students first create a supersaturated sugar solution and grow sugar crystals, then brainstorm ways that the sugar solution and crystal growing setup can be modified to meet a specific design challenge. Finally, they reengineer their crystal growing solutions and compete to create the best design. Kit materials equip 15 pairs of students.

Grades 7–12. Watch the engineering design process crystallize in your classroom with this Carolina STEM Challenge® kit! Through a series of hands-on activities that focus on solutions and crystal growing, students learn about physical science and engineering concepts. Students first work through a warm-up activity to create a supersaturated sugar solution and grow sugar crystals. They then brainstorm ways that the sugar solution and crystal growing setup can be modified to meet a specific design challenge. Finally, student teams reengineer their crystal growing solutions and setups and compete to create the best design.

In Carolina STEM Challenge®: Crystal Growing Kit, students:

• Learn about unsaturated, saturated, and supersaturated solutions
• Make saturated solution
• Grow sugar crystals
• Use the engineering design process to compete in a design challenge

Carolina STEM Challenge® kits include scoring and grading rubrics to facilitate assessment of team results. Team presentations allow students to think critically about their experience, to communicate scientifically, and demonstrate their learning in creative ways. Kit materials support 15 design teams of 2 students each.

FREE 1-year access to digital resources that support NGSS instruction included.