University at Buffalo (UB)
The contest challenges participants to grow the biggest, most beautiful crystals they can with aluminum potassium sulfate (alum), a nontoxic chemical used in water purification. There is also a prize category for “coolest crystal.” The competition is an outreach activity designed to provide K-12 grade students and teachers a fun, hands-on STEM experience. Jason Benedict, Associate Professor, is also the founder of the contest. Read more about the U.S. Crystal Growing competition