Saint Gilbert Places in National Crystal Growth Competition

Saint Gilbert Junior High Students repeated their participation in the United States Crystal Growing Competition this year and, once again, Saint Gilbert won awards. The purpose of the Competition is an important scientific outreach activity designed to provide K-12th grade students and teachers a fun, hands-on STEM experience as well as an exciting competition. The objective is to grow crystals in different categories. Winning crystals are put on display at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Buffalo, SUNY.

Partnering with Georgetown University, Texas A & M, and the University of Central Florida, the goal is to use the excitement of a competition to expose the students to the varied and important uses of crystals. Unknown to most, crystals are an important component for solar cells, which power calculators, outdoor lights and space vehicles by producing photovoltaic energy, derived from tetragonal crystals. Crystals of this type also are necessary to regulate energy flow in transistors and semi-conductors. Thus, both the devices we use every day and alternate energies of the future rely on crystals.

In the competition, Saint Gilbert’s students impressed. Competing nationally against high schools as well as contemporaries, Saint Gilbert placed 4th, 5th and 10th in various aspects of crystal growth. The fourth place team, Clare M., Megan G. and Julia S. created the crystal shown in Image K-8 "Quality" which was judged for its purity. The 10th Place Crystal was judged in the category for how large it was, which is shown in Image K-8 "Overall." This was grown by Mario D., Kyle H. and Collin W. The final category, Coolest Crystal, saw Saint Gilbert win 5th thanks to Rachel P., Anna K. and Alex L. This image is aptly named Cool Crystal. The winning teams of students are shown in order. (For the official results go to http://www.uscrystalgrowingcompetition.org/USCGCWinners.html)

The raw materials are free to contestants thanks to sponsorships from several companies, nonprofits, and professional societies. This year and last, students used reagent-grade alum which is a good choice because it is safe, it is one of the easiest crystals to grow, and the resulting crystals are shelf-stable.

Saint Gilbert is a Pre-K through 8th Grade Catholic School celebrating 73 years of providing quality education to the Grayslake Community. It was named a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the Department of Education. With STEM programs and clubs focusing on Coding, Robotics, Future City and a dedicated staff, the school sets students on a trajectory for success in the 21st Century. Interested in learning more? Come visit us on the web at www.stgilbertschool.org or our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Saint-Gilbert-Catholic-School-126504574087725/. Arrange a tour by calling 847-223-8600 or by emailing school.office@saintgilbertschool.org.