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Growing Curiosity: Crystal Contests & Outreach Initiatives

Crystal growing contests are among the ACA’s most engaging and accessible outreach activities, offering a hands-on introduction to crystallography for learners of all ages. These programs invite students, educators, and the public to explore the beauty and science of crystal growth through experimentation, observation, and creativity. Beyond crystal growing, the ACA also supports and co-sponsors a range of educational and outreach initiatives that promote science more broadly—such as our co-sponsorship of the U.S. Physics Team in 2025—reflecting the Association’s commitment to inspiring curiosity, supporting excellence, and expanding access to structural science and STEM education.

The American Crystallographic Association proudly sponsors the U.S. Crystal Growing Competition, a national outreach program that introduces students to crystallography through hands-on experimentation and discovery.
By supporting this competition, the ACA encourages curiosity, creativity, and scientific thinking as participants design experiments, grow crystals, and learn how structure and conditions influence crystal formation. The competition provides an accessible entry point into structural science, connects classroom learning with real-world research practices, and reflects the ACA’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists through engaging, experiential education.

 

The American Crystallographic Association has been a committed and generous sponsor of the Wisconsin Crystal Growing Contest, supporting the program for a number of years. In 2025 alone, the contest engaged more than 198 middle and high school students from 5 middle schools and 22 high schools, including home-schooled students and participants from online academies.

Through sustained ACA support, the contest has become a meaningful and accessible entry point into crystallography for young learners across the state. The next Wisconsin Crystal Growing Contest will take place from March through May 2026, continuing this successful tradition of hands-on science education and outreach.

 

Supporting the U.S. Physics Team is an important extension of the American Crystallographic Association’s commitment to science education, excellence, and the development of future scientific leaders. The program is run by the American Association of Physics Teachers, with financial support from the ACA alongside other STEM-focused organizations.

By contributing to this collective effort, the ACA helps empower students competing at the highest international levels—students whose curiosity, rigor, and problem-solving skills closely align with the foundations of crystallography and structural science. This support strengthens the broader STEM ecosystem, highlights the interconnected nature of the physical sciences, and reflects the ACA’s belief that advancing crystallography also means championing initiatives that nurture scientific talent, collaboration, and global engagement.