The Chemical Institute of Canada’s National Crystal Growing Competition is a popular annual contest that tests high school students’ ability to grow the best quality, largest and heaviest single crystal. Schools across Canada were provided with materials and instructions this past September and the blue crystals, made from copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate, were submitted for national judging in November. Growing the crystals helps students develop their laboratory and accuracy skills.
The 2014 winners were announced this past January. Prizes included a cash award for the school and a certificate for the participant.
Best Overall Crystals
- First place: Tess Van Zevengergen of Holy Cross Secondary School in Kingston, Ont.
- Second place: Felix Truong of Harry Ainlay High School, Edmonton.
- Third place: Mia Harle and Cindy Tran of Fellowes High School, Pembroke, Ont.
Best Quality Crystal
Lenno Liu of Southridge High School, Surrey, BC.
Best Crystal from Teacher
Aura Pombert of Harry Ainlay High School, Edmonton.