Describes the observable properties of crystals (colour, geometric…
Describes the observable properties of crystals (colour, geometric patterns). The salt and Epsom salt crystal lesson.
The Québec Education Program: Science and Technology outcome (Earth and Space: Matter) for Grades 3–4 says: “Describes the observable properties of crystals (colour, geometric patterns). The salt and Epsom salt crystal lesson.” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: Québec Education Program: Science and Technology.
Earth and Sky at Home Grades K–5
Make a rainbow on the kitchen floor, grow crystals on a windowsill and build a cloud in a jar. Three classic home experiments that actually work, with the real science explained for grown-ups.
- Where do rainbows come from? 45 min, plus 10 min outside on a sunny day
Children split sunlight into colours with a glass of water, test whether the water is what makes the rainbow, and make their own rainbow with a hose mist. They finish able to explain that white light is a mix of colours that water bends apart.
- How do crystals grow? 40 min to set up, then 5 min a day for 5 to 7 days
Children watch the grown-up make strong salt, Epsom salt and sugar solutions, set out dishes and a string, then check them every day for a week. They finish able to explain that crystals form when dissolved particles line up as the water leaves.
- How does a cloud form? 40 min
Children watch the grown-up set up two jars of hot water with ice on top, add a wisp of smoke to one, and compare the clouds. They finish able to explain that clouds form when moist air cools and water collects on tiny specks.
Printable practice for this outcome
These pages practise a closely related idea; the match to this outcome is partial.
- Kitchen Chemistry for Families workbook included with the unit
2 practice pages, 2 readings, 1 word wall, 1 English-support page, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- Clean Water Challenge: Mixtures, Dissolving and Separating workbook included with the unit
3 practice pages, 3 readings, 1 word wall, 1 English-support page, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- Solids, Liquids and Gases workbook included with the unit
1 word wall, 1 practice page, 1 reading, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- Grade 4 Rocks and Minerals printable pack
3 practice pages, 2 readings, 1 activity, 1 assessment, with answer keys. Free sample.
Need just this outcome? Build a custom pack from these pages, with its answer key, in about a minute. Custom packs come with All-access and school licences.
Compared with NGSS: 5-PS1-3 (partial).
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