I would like to invite you and your students to participate in the inaugural Clarion University Crystal Growing Competition. This competition is open to all and aims to introduce students (and chemistry enthusiasts) to the exciting world of crystallization. The goal of this competition is to grow the largest and highest quality single crystal possible or the coolest crystal formation.  More details about the competition and instructions on how to grow crystals are provided on the competition website (https://www.cup-cgc.com).

There is no cost to participate in the competition. Crystals can be submitted vial postal mail, so there are no travel requirements for participation; however, we will be hosting three “Crystals At Clarion Events” planned for Feb 9^th, Feb 23^rd and March 9^th for individuals who would like to join us on campus to grow a cool crystal formation. Registration for these events is available on the competition website.

All registered participants will be provided with a competition T-shirt (subject to availability) and the chance to win trophies, books and visa gift cards ($100 for 1^st place, $50 for 2^nd, and $25 for 3^rd place).  Participants may enter crystals individually or as a team (2-5 team members) in the following categories:

• • Single Crystal
    • K – 4th grade  
    • 5 – 8th grade
    • 9th grade – 12th grade
    • Clarion University Students
    • Adults
  • Coolest Crystal Formation

Only one submission per team in the single crystal categories and/or one submission in the coolest crystal formation category, but no limit to how many submissions from a school. All winning crystal submitters will be invited to make a presentation at the Clarion University Research Symposium on April 11, 2019.

Participants are expected to provide their own materials; however, samples of suitable compounds can be provided to teachers for use with students in their classrooms upon request. For consideration, participants must submit crystals grown from a compound on the approved compounds list or get approval for their compound prior to submission. All crystals must arrive at Clarion University no later than March 14, 2019 for judging. 
 

Please contact me (jknaust@clarion.edu) if you have any questions regarding the competition or Crystals at Clarion Events. Also, please feel free to forward this email and invitation to any individuals who you think might be interested in participating in this competition.