Year 1998

Instructions on the Competition

For safety reasons, all experiments must be performed under the supervision of a school teacher/lecturer. Maximum time allowed for the growing of a crystal is twenty weeks starting from 27 April 1998.

Junior Level

Students participating in this category are required to grow a large single crystal of Lithium Trisodium Chromate Hexahydrate from a maximum of 200gms of sodium dichromate*.

Procedure

Dissolve the sodium dichromate in hot water and add 25gms of Lithium Carbonate* in small portions. When the bubbling of carbon dioxide has stopped, add 27 gms of sodium hydroxide* and stir until it has dissolved.

Entries will be judged by their weight (yield), size, morphology and Clarity.

Senior Level

A single large crystal of Calcium Copper Acetate Hexahydrate is to be grown from 90gms of copper acetate* and appropriate amount of calcium oxide*.

Procedure

The calcium oxide is first dissolved in water and glacial acetic acid* is added. Mix this solution with the solution of copper acetate. Cool and stand.

Entries will be judged by their weight (yield), size, morphology and Clarity.

Open (Inorganic) Level

In order to comete in the category, participating institutions should have submitted entries for the above categories.

Participants in this category are required to grow a crystal from any inorganic compound (other than those used in the Junior and Senior levels) of their choice.

The main objective of this category is to provide students with an opportunity to exercise their creativity individuality and scientific knowledge.

Entries in this level will be judged on: originality, chemical knowledge and quality of the crystal.

Open (Organic) Level

In order to comete in the category, participating institutions should have submitted entries for the above categories.

Participants are required to grow a single large crystal from household sugar. Make a saturated slution with 200gms of sugar from a mixture of water and ethanol.

Entries will be judged according to the yield and the quality of the crystal.

Happy growing!

*This amount should be attested by your supervisor in you log book.

Judging Guidelines

1. The idea is to grow a SINGLE CRYSTAL, not a cluster of crystals.
2. The quality of the crystal will make up 70% of the total score. The remaining 30% will be allocated to the poster and log book presentation.

Chemical Suppliers

Winners

Junior Level

First: The Chinese High School
Second: CHIJ Secondary school (Toa Payoh)
Third: Beatty Secondary School

Senior Level

First: National Junior College
Second: Raffles Junior College
Third: Victoria Junior College 

Open (Inorganic) Level

First: Methodist Girls' School
Second: The Chinese High School
Third: Jurong Junior College 

Open (Organic) Level

First: Damai Secondary School
Second: Temasek Junior College 
Third: River Valley High School