(Scene starts out with Dr. Anderson walking in, while Emma is waiting by typing on her phone and chewing gum.)
Dr Anderson: Good Morning class! Today we are going to learn about crystals! Can anyone tell me what they already know about crystals? How about you Emma?
(Emma texting on her phone)
Dr Anderson: Emma! Please put you phone away. We are learning about crystals.
Emma: What about crystals?
(Emma twirls her hair with her finger)
Dr Anderson: What do you already know about crystal?
Emma: As in like the jewelry?
Dr Anderson: Uh…..not exactly¬¬¬.
Emma: oh I don’t know anything about crystals.
Dr Anderson: Well that’s why we are learning about them. In this topic, we will learn what crystals are, how they are formed, and the different structures that make each crystal unique. Crystals are solids that are formed by a continuous pattern of molecules that are connected together.
Emma: Like building blocks?
Dr Anderson: Exactly!! Nice analogy! Did everyone hear that? The way crystals are formed are like putting Legos together except suppose these building blocks are atoms and molecules. In some solids, the arrangements of the molecules and atoms are sometimes random. But in crystals, they are in the exact same arrangement. This is how crystals get their unique shape.
Emma: So unlike solids, crystals are formed by the same repetitive arrangement. Right?
Dr Anderson: Yes, very good. Now for how crystals are formed. The process is called nucleation.
Emma: Does it have something to do with the nucleus?
Dr Anderson: Yes! The crystals are formed in the nucleus. There are two types of nucleation; assisted and unassisted nucleation.
Emma: Let me guess, unassisted nucleation is when the molecules form into crystals by themselves without any other solid material.
Dr Anderson: That’s right! You’re catching on! Now what can you tell me about assisted nucleation?
Emma: Uh....well….i kinda need assistance to answer this
Dr Anderson: Very well then. In assisted nucleation, solute molecules create a strong bond between each other because they are in their purest form. As the bonds grow and reach the right size, it becomes a proto-crystal. The size of the crystal will keep on growing until it reaches its maximum growth point.
Emma: So in assisted nucleation, it is basically the same thing except that the solid is used to speed up the bonding of solute molecules.
Dr Anderson: Yes. Evaporation is another method in which crystals can form. Do you know how?
Emma: No. But I’m guessing that if the liquid evaporates, then the precipitate becomes a crystal.
Dr Anderson: If there are a low number of solvents left available for ions to dissolve in, then the solution is supersaturated. This allows it to crystalize.
Emma: I remember when I did my science fair project a long time ago about crystals; I had to adjust the pH level.
Dr. Anderson: Yes, Emma. Adjusting the pH will help us make the change as slow as possible. By
