Instant Crystals

We use a supersaturated solution of sodium ethanoate to demonstrate instant crystallisation. Sodium ethanoate is added to water and is then heated to allow all of the crystals to dissolve. When it is cooled it forms a supersaturated solution. This solution is poured onto some more solid sodium ethanoate on a Petri dish and crystals begin to form on top of each other, creating a stalagmite structure.

Chemistry - Atoms And Bonding - Learning Points.
Physical processes can be endothermic or exothermic.
Supersaturated solutions and seed crystals will result in crystal growth.
Stalagmites form from the base upwards.
Small crystals form rapidly and large crystals form slowly.

A Twig Experiment Film.
Let students experience real experiments in lab conditions anywhere, from setup, method all the way through to analysis and real-world application.