March 19th Virginia Tech KTU exhibitor

Candy Crystal Structures

Hand-made crystallography ball-and-stick models created using marshmallows and toothpicks. This activity will allow students to understand the different structures and geometries of the crystals and the minerals associated with them. Additionally, there will be a mineral and crystal structure matching game so that students can use their own candy-and-toothpick structures and ones provided to determine common mineral crystal structures.

Mineral matching with their crystal form to win a prize!

We will be making candy and toothpick models of crystal lattices matching mineral specimens we have on display.  When scientists buy these “ball-and-stick” crystal models they may cost hundreds of dollars!

Using paper cut outs and minerals, kids will play a matching game that matches a mineral to its crystal structure. If they are correct, they will receive a lucky rock!

This booth uses a combination of visual aids and guides to teach the kids about crystal symmetry and structure using minerals, paper cut outs and hand-made ball and stick models (marshmallows and toothpicks).

Museum of Geosciences with SGE Honor Society

The Museum of Geosciences is housed in the Department of Geosciences located at 2062 Derring Hall.  The Museum provides materials, activities, tours and programs.  Exhibits include beautiful minerals from all over the world, and some great examples from Virginia.  There are also interactive teaching stations: an OmniGlobe spherical projection system that shows global earth systems data. There is also an EmRiver Stream Simulation Model; a real-time earthquake display; a large collection of high quality minerals, rocks, and fossils; an Allosaurus dinosaur skeleton; and information about Virginia and local geology. Come visit!

Sigma Gamma Epsilon (SGE) is the national honor society for the Earth Sciences. with objectives of scholastic, scientific, and professional advancement of its members.  SGE members value friendship and assistance among colleges and universities, which are devoted to the advancement of the Earth Sciences.