LAB TOPIC: The Formation of Crystals (Salt Beds)
Read through the entire lab before beginning.
Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to study how salt beds might have been formed over geologic time. It also is a good example of how crystals are formed.
Materials: Glass dish (clear) about the size of a desert dish or soup bowl
Measuring cup
Tablespoon
Salt
Procedure:
Measure out ½ cup of very hot tap water.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of salt into the water and stir until all the salt is dissolved.
Pour the salt water into the glass dish. (It is important that this be transparent glass so you can see the formations.)
Allow the bowl to sit undisturbed until all or most of the water evaporates. To be sure that it evaporates place it in a cool dry place. High humidity will slow down the process and you may not have your results in an acceptable amount of time.
The questions below are to help you form your conclusions in a well written paragraph format. Remember to use complete sentences and correct grammar and spelling. Scientific words should be defined and/or explained when used in your report. I have highlighted these for this first lab but only this time. In the future you will need to do this on your own.