09
June
2016
|
16:06
Asia/Singapore

Colourful crystals take centre stage

More than 200 students from 40 schools across Singapore showed off their colourful crystal creations at the 12th Singapore National Crystal Growing Challenge, hosted by NUS on 4 June.

Organised by NUS Chemistry, the competition saw 107 teams from secondary schools, junior colleges, polytechnics, Institutes of Technical Education and international schools display their home-grown crystals in three categories — Junior, for secondary school students; Senior, for tertiary students; and an Open category which was open to all students. 

Teams were given approximately eight months to grow their own crystals and document the process through posters and log books that were displayed at an exhibition during the event. The crystals were then judged based on definition, clarity, originality and overall aesthetic appeal.

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A team putting the finishing touches on their crystal display

NUS Chemistry Lecturer Dr Edith Chan, who served as Chief Judge of the competition, said that the students showed a great level of creativity and produced crystals of high quality. She added that the crystal exhibition showcased a “winning combination of science and art”.

The biennial challenge reflects the Department’s commitment to public education in chemistry and developing greater interest in the subject among youth. 

The winners of the 12th Singapore National Crystal Growing Challenge are:

Champion

  • Junior: Greendale Secondary School
  • Senior: Nanyang Polytechnic
  • Open: Temasek Polytechnic

Largest Single Crystal

  • Junior: Hwa Chong Institution
  • Senior: Nanyang Polytechnic
  • Open: Hwa Chong Institution

Best Display

  • Junior: Greendale Secondary School
  • Senior: Singapore Polytechnic
  • Open: Bukit Panjang Government High School

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Bedok South Secondary School’s magnesium sulfate heptahydrate crystal