Crystal cookery - using high-throughput technologies and the grocery store as a teaching tool

Area of Science:

• Crystallography
• Materials Science
• Chemical Education

Background:

• Crystallography provides atomic-scale insights across science and engineering.
• Crystal growth is a key component of crystallography and an effective educational tool.
• Existing methods utilize 'grocery store chemistry' and remote-access screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of an educational program focused on crystal growth.
• To demonstrate how accessible materials can facilitate scientific method education.
• To explore the potential for linking this program with broader crystallography research.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a 'grocery store chemistry' approach for crystallization experiments.
• Integrating high-throughput remote-access screening technologies.
• Developing and prototyping procedures with student involvement.

Main Results:

• The program effectively teaches the scientific method.
• It accommodates diverse educational levels and remote access.
• Preliminary analyses show promising results for student engagement.

Conclusions:

• This educational approach bridges the gap for students in remote or underfunded locations.
• It provides international-level research experience using accessible resources.
• The program has the potential to broaden participation in crystallography.