This term Years 9 and 10 took part in the first Phase Two Challenge. This challenge was all about making copper sulphate (CuSO4) crystals.
The first part of the Phase Two Challenge was inspired by artist Roger Hiorns who filled an entire bedsit apartment with CuSO4 solution and allowed the crystals to grow on the walls, ceiling, floor and furniture.
The installation is now in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
All Year 9 and 10 classes designed and constructed their own mini-bedsit models and allowed the CuSO4 crystals to grow in them.
The second part of the challenge was to extract a CuSO4 solution from an insoluble copper oxide (CuO) powder. This is one of the required practicals for GCSE. The challenge was to use their knowledge of how crystals form in order to grow the biggest CuSO4 crystal.
Marks are awarded for each class for best mini-bedsit, largest crystal and best photograph. The marks are added to a PTC League Table, which will continue over the year.
The winning class at the end of the academic year will receive an award, yet to be announced.
