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Oh i forgot one were we coat a slide with a thin emulsion of soap and 
then add a solution of sodium borate and watch it crystalize under 
the hot light of a microscope.


At 12:50 PM 8/16/2007, you wrote:
>ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
>*****************************************************************************
>
>When we had Strange Matter here a couple of years ago, I used Epsom
>Salts (Magnesium Sulphate) to form crystals rapidly.
>
>We dissolved as much of the salt as we could in water warming on a
>hotplate, and then dropped the solution on the surface of an old
>fashioned overhead projector. The crystals formed instantaneously and a
>whole room had a great view on a screen as the crystals formed.
>Afterwards, you could lift the transparency sheet and pass it around and
>to see the crystals up close.
>
>We were planning to use this as a floor demo but keeping the solution
>hot enough was a problem - we were very concerned the public might get
>burned. It worked well in volunteer training, and I could see it working
>in a classroom.
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Informal Science Education Network
>[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jane Snell Copes
>Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 10:33 AM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Quick Crystals
>
>ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
>Centers
>Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
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>
>I would avoid naphthalene either in solution or sublimed and
>recrystallized.  Here's a link to MSDS, indicating moderate health
>and flammability hazard.  OSHA exposure limit is 10 ppm, which is
>quite low.  If you can smell it, you're likely above the limit.
>http://www.sciencestuff.com/msds/C2149.html
>
>Sodium acetate and sodium thiosulfate 5-hydrate are both less toxic
>and can actually be reused.  That's my 2 cents' worth.  Do you
>realize computer keyboards no longer have a cent sign?  Jane
>--
>Jane Snell Copes          Science Outside the Box    651-357-3316 (cell)
>
>Science Outside the Box is a tiny business that celebrates the
>scientist in every one of us.  I am a writer and teacher, and I have
>fun with science every single day.  I'm especially fond of designing
>classes and science magic shows for kids and parents.
>
>"To be an inventor, you need a good imagination and a big pile of
>junk."  Edison
>
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Janet Groenert
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