When lava or magma cools into rock, the size of the crystals depends on the speed of the cooling.
This extra credit project has you investigating this phenomenon with sugar instead of lava and magma. You will make a concentrated sugar solution by dissolving sugar into hot water. As the water cools and evaporates, the dissolved sugar will turn into crystals.
You will need to bring in two separate samples: a sample of sugar crystals formed quickly and sugar crystals formed slowly. Quickly here means minutes or hours. Slowly here means days or weeks.
This project is due Friday, December 12th. It can increase your semester grade by up to 10%.
If you are ready, check out these links to learn what to do:
http://chemistry.about.com/od/growingcrystals/ht/blsugarcrystal.htm
http://chemistry.about.com/video/3-Tips-for-Growing-Sugar-Crystals.htm
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Sugar-Crystals-on-a-Stick/
http://www.kidzworld.com/article/26598-make-your-own-crystals
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/FoodSci_p005.shtml#background
http://www.sciencebob.com/experiments/rockcandy.php