National Crystal Growing Competition
The National Crystal Growing Competition challenges students to grow a single crystal using commonly-found home ingredients or laboratory materials. It is suitable for students to take part in both at home and at school!
The competition is open to both primary and post-primary school students, and is judged by SSPC and iCRAG scientists. The deadline for entries is April 28th, 2023. The finals will be held at a virtual event hosted by SSPC and iCRAG in September 2023.
Who can take part?
The competition is open to both primary and post-primary school students in Ireland. There will be one winner from each category (one primary and one post-primary winner). Teacher supervision is required for crystallisation of compounds other than those salt and sugar, or those listed in our booklet. Please view the Material Safety Data Sheets for Health and Safety instructions and indications for materials available for download on this website.
Why take part?
Crystals are very important to and feature heavily in the primary and post primary curricula.
For example:
Junior Cycle Science:
Nature of science: Investigating in Science, Communicating in Science
Chemical World: Building Blocks, Systems and Interactions
By taking part in this competition, students will learn about: the particulate nature of matter (atoms, bonding, molecules, compounds, mixtures), solutions, solubility, crystal structure, physical properties of matter.
Leaving Certificate:
Core: 1. Periodic Table and Atomic Structure, 4. Volumetric Analysis, 7. Organic Chemistry
Options: 2A Materials
By taking part in this competition, students will learn about: organic chemistry, physical properties of matter, recrystallisation, percentage yield.
Prizes available:
1st Prize: iPad
Runners up: Action Camera
How-to take part
1. Enter via this online form: https://forms.gle/4LanNKoZd8GmF9897
And
2. Submit a photo of your crystal including weight to elspeth.sinclair@icrag-centre.org by April 28th, 2023.
Helpful tips
Crystal Growing Competition Information Booklet - Accompanying information for participants.
Materials Safety Info 2023
