Crystal Clear Learning: Grade 7 Geode Lab
The Grade 7 Science lab at Bassano School recently transformed into a makeshift geology cavern. Donning smocks and gloves, Ms. Bertschy’s students took a deep dive into the world of chemistry and earth science by creating their own Epsom salt geodes using eggshells.
The Science of "Trial and Error"
It wasn’t all smooth sailing—and that’s exactly where the best learning happened. After an initial round of "wait and see," the class realized their crystals weren't quite forming as expected. This led to a real-world lesson in saturation.
Mr. Cameron was sent on a mission for more supplies, and students returned to their lab stations the next day to recalculate. They learned that to grow impressive crystals, they had to reach the perfect "sweet spot": a supersaturated solution, where the water holds more dissolved salt than it normally could at room temperature.
Linking to the Alberta Curriculum
This activity wasn't just for show; it directly hits several Grade 7 Science Learner Outcomes, specifically within the Interactions and Ecosystems and Planet Earth units.
Understanding Mixtures and Solutions: Students explored how solutes (salt) and solvents (water) interact.
Mineral Formation: By simulating the cooling and evaporation process, students witnessed how minerals crystallize in nature—a key part of the Earth’s Crust unit.
The Scientific Method: Instead of just reading about it, students practiced it:
Observing the initial lack of growth.
Hypothesizing that the solution wasn't strong enough.
Testing a new ratio of salt to water.
Analyzing the sparkling results.
Why Hands-On Learning Matters
At Bassano School, we believe science is a "verb"—it's something you do, not just something you read. Hands-on learning helps turn abstract concepts (like solubility) into concrete memories. When a student physically stirs a solution until it can’t hold any more salt, the definition of "saturation" sticks much better than a glossary entry ever could. Plus, it builds resilience. Seeing an experiment "fail" the first time and having the tools to fix it is a life skill that goes far beyond the science lab.
