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Here’s a cool experiment that you can try at home. If you have access to a microscope you can delve into more detail on one of nature’s most important and wonderful form, crystals. Crystals are not only beautiful to look at, they are building blocks for molecules and all sorts of natural materials. See what they look like!

• Black construction paper
• Scissors
• A pie pan
• Warm water
• Epsom salt (regular salt won’t work)

1. Cut a circle out of the black paper to fit into the bottom of your pie pan
2. Add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt to 1/4 cup of warm water and stir until the salt dissolves
3. Pour the mixture onto the black paper in the pan
4. Place the pan in the sun
5. When the water evaporates, what do you see?

If you followed the instructions, you’ll see long spike like crystals have formed on the black paper. If you have a microscope, check them out more closely, they are truly a sight to see!