Clarion University to hold crystal growing competition

From staff reports

The Clarion University Department of Chemistry, Math and Physics invites children and adults to take part in the 2020 Crystal Growing Competition.

There is no fee to participate.

“The study of crystals is very important in the field of chemistry, because it helps scientists understand how atoms and molecules interact,” said Jacqueline Knaust, professor of chemistry, who organized the competition.

Competition is divided into age groups: kindergarten through grade four, grades five through eight, and high school students to adults. The top three finishers in each age group will receive Visa gift cards.

Participants provide their own materials and only approved compounds may be used. Upon request, teachers can obtain sample materials to use with their students.

Crystals must be submitted to the university by April 15 and will be displayed at the April 17 university research symposium on campus.

Participants may attend one of the Crystals at Clarion events: 9 to 10:30 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 29 or March 21.

Participants will engage with chemistry professors and students to learn about and grow a crystal formation, which they then can enter in the judged competition. Space is limited; advance registration is required.

For information or to register for the on-campus events, visit cup-cgc.com.