Students in Mrs. Nicole Schatzle’s 6th grade science class are discovering that learning can truly sparkle! As part of their unit on minerals and crystals, our young scientists are delving into the fascinating processes that form these naturally beautiful structures. Last week, they took a hands-on approach—creating their own evaporite crystals using Epsom salt and water. Over several days, they observed the slow, shimmering transformation as their solutions crystallize before their eyes.

But this lesson is more than just science that glitters—it’s science with purpose. Students are learning about the structure of matter, the effects of evaporation and saturation, and how temperature and concentration impact crystal growth. These skills strengthen their understanding of chemistry, observation, and data collection—all foundational tools for future studies in STEM fields.

“Watching students’ faces light up as they see their crystals begin to form is one of my favorite moments,” shared Mrs. Schatzle. “It’s like seeing curiosity crystallize in real time!”