Auburn University Montgomery


The 1999 Alabama
Crystal Growing
Competition

Auburn University Montgomery began sponsoring The Alabama Crystal Growing Competition in 1996. Since the inception of the program, thousands of 5th and 6th grade students from around Alabama have grown crystals of alum, under the supervision of their teachers. The crystals have been submitted for judging and awards have been presented to both the winning students and teachers.

Growing large, good quality crystals requires not only patience, care, and commitment, but also continual monitoring and assessment. The crystal growing project provides students with the opportunity to be actively involved in a long - term science project. The formation of a beautiful crystal at the conclusion of the project is extremely rewarding in and of itself. Additionally, the students learn much about crystals and their formation. Students are also required to write a short report on the project which further contributes to the learning process.

Alabama Crystal Competition FAQ's

What does the competition involve ?

Fifth and sixth grade students from any school in Alabama grow alum crystals in their classroom. The crystals, together with a short written report, are submitted for judging. Prizes are awarded for the best crystals.

Who has won the competition in recent years?

The first Alabama Crystal Growing Competition was held in 1995. It was a local competition involving schools in Montgomery and surrounding counties. The contest went statewide in 1996. In the statewide competitions, the winning students and teachers have come from Brent, Prattville, Carbon Hill, Panola, New Brockton, Tuscambia, Montgomery, and Aliceville school systems.

Why should students enter the competition?

Growing a large, good quality alum crystal requires patience, care, and commitment. Because this can take several weeks, students will be involved in a long - term science project that requires continual monitoring and assessment. The formation of a beautiful crystal at the end of the project is very rewarding. Preparing a short report on the project is also a great learning experience for students.

How do students enter?

Each teacher decides if he or she wants students in a class to enter the competition. Any number of students from a class may participate. The teacher then completes an Application Form, now available on the internet.

Additionally, you may request an application form by contacting Dr. Nick Thomas through mail, email, or telephone at the following:

Dr. Nick Thomas
Crystal Competition
Department of Physical Sciences
Auburn University at Montgomery
P.O. Box 244023
Montgomery, Alabama 36124 - 4023

Office Telephone: (334) 244-3327

TDD users may call (334)244-3800

E-mail:

niko@strudel.aum.edu

When does the 1999 competition begin?

NOTE : The competition is Underway !      Deadline for submitting crystals is NOV 23rd

Students can begin growing crystals in the fall after teachers receive the crystal growing instructions and contest rules. A booklet containing this information will be sent, before summer break, to all teachers who return the completed entry form. Teachers must submit the class crystals by the date specified in the booklet.

How do you grow alum crystals?

It's easy! Once application forms have been received, teachers will be sent detailed instructions for growing crystals.

How do teachers get alum?

Alum is available from drug stores and can usually be ordered in 1 lb. quantities, at a cost of approximately $6.00 to $7.00 per pound. Chemical supply companies are also a source of alum, but will generally only supply chemicals to school addresses, not individuals. Additionally, the costs associated with purchasing from chemical supply companies are often significantly greater.

NEW !!! This year, AUM will provide one FREE bottle of alum to the first 20 teachers submitting completed application forms. Hurry, we only have a few left. Alum must be collected from the Department of Physical Sciences at Auburn University Montgomery as we cannot mail it to your schools as in previous years.

What are the prizes?

Crystals will be judged on their size, symmetry, and transparency. The student submitting the best crystal will receive a $300.00 savings bond. The winning student's teacher will also receive $200.00 worth of science equipment for his or her classrom use.

Two Second Place prizes ( $150.00 savings bond ) will also be awarded. All students receiving awards will be invited to the AUM campus in January 2000 ( together with their teacher and / or parents ) to be presented with their awards from representatives of the Air Force Association, who have sponsored the project since 1996.

Acknowledements of Support :

We are very grateful to the Air Force Association for being a major sponsor of the competition in recent years.

Additionally, we would like to thank the many teachers, students, and parents for their interest and participation in the competitions.




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Last updated October 11, 1999...