Application of a learning theory with crystals LO23952

From: ACampnona@aol.com
Date: 02/11/00


Dear Learners,

I was in my laboratory yesterday and surrounded by organic and inorganic
chemists, unlabelled as they are one could not tell which was which. I
make few distinctions. One must CARE for them all.

The laboratory. "Organic chemistry". -Working with an extremely
supersaturated solution when something happened.

(NOTE) A supersaturated solution is one in which the saturation point, at
which no more material will dissolve, has been exceeded. This can occur
because the saturation point becomes higher as the temperature of the
solution is increased. When you dissolve the material at a high
temperature and then cool it the material sometimes doesn't crystallize
out : - ) because...get ready for this...the molecules don't 'know' how.

They require something to get them started. A seed crystal, or a grain of
dust or even a sudden scratch or 'tap' on the surrounding glass vessel

WHACK! SHAKE - SHAKE - SHAKE (or SHAKE FROM 'BOTH ENDS' IF YOU ARE A
CONFUCIAN)

Walking to the water tap to cool the solution...before eyes
'unblinking'....a star of crystalline material in the solution appeared
growing suddenly and radiantly until it filled the entire vessel. Seeing
it grow.

A voice came from nowhere...' Andrew, I hope you are teaching quality to
your students?' And within a matter of a few months it was all growing so
fast you could almost see it grow, become enormous and intricate, highly
structured mass of thoughts, formed as if by magic.

Well, I ask you, can you see the sense of this...QUITE BEYOND ME.

Best wishes,

Andrew Campbell

-- 

ACampnona@aol.com

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