Home
Software
Back
Software
Explore our structural chemistry software here, to support research in drug discovery, particle behaviour, solid form analysis and functional materials design, all using the world’s largest crystal structure database: the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD).
Community
Back
Community
Our mission is to advance structural science for the public benefit — here you can explore and access our free data, software, training support and educational resources.
- Community Overview
- Access/Deposit Structures
- CCDC for the Community
- Partnerships and Initiatives
- Education and Outreach
- Events
- Free Products
- Training and Learning
- Newsletter
Discover
Back
Discover
See how CSD data and software have been applied through case studies, webinars, white papers and more.
Consultancy Services
Back
Consultancy Services
With over 50 years at the forefront of structural chemistry, you’re in safe hands with CCDC Consultancy.
Research
Back
Research
As well as providing data and software, we also conduct research and regularly publish on topics around structural chemistry and data science, collaborating with leading researchers, in both academia and industry.
Support and Resources
Back
Support and Resources
Helping you get the most out of the CSD data and software, use these pages to get support, find licensing information, view documentation and other resources, and download software.
About
Back
About
Learn more about the CCDC, including how to work with us, donate to our charitable mission or get in touch.

Home
Software
Software
Explore our structural chemistry software here, to support research in drug discovery, particle behaviour, solid form analysis and functional materials design, all using the world’s largest crystal structure database: the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD).
- Overview
- By Field
- By Use Case
- By Suite
- All Software
- Software Integrations
- About the CSD
- How CSD Licences Work
- Latest Updates
Community
Community
Our mission is to advance structural science for the public benefit — here you can explore and access our free data, software, training support and educational resources.
- Community Overview
- Access/Deposit Structures
- CCDC for the Community
- Partnerships and Initiatives
- Education and Outreach
- Events
- Free Products
- Training and Learning
- Newsletter
Discover
Discover
See how CSD data and software have been applied through case studies, webinars, white papers and more.
Consultancy Services
Consultancy Services
With over 50 years at the forefront of structural chemistry, you’re in safe hands with CCDC Consultancy.
Research
Research
As well as providing data and software, we also conduct research and regularly publish on topics around structural chemistry and data science, collaborating with leading researchers, in both academia and industry.
Support and Resources
Support and Resources
Helping you get the most out of the CSD data and software, use these pages to get support, find licensing information, view documentation and other resources, and download software.
- Support and Resources Overview
- Documentation and Resources
- FAQs
- Downloads
- Licensing Information
- Training and Learning
- Contact Support
About
About
Learn more about the CCDC, including how to work with us, donate to our charitable mission or get in touch.
Search our website
Search our Support FAQs
Search technical FAQs covering everything from system requirements and installation, to how specific analyses work.
Go to FAQs
Search the CSD
Search for molecular crystal structures in the Cambridge Structural Database by keyword, reference, and more.
Go to the CSD

CCDC > Scientific Community > Education and Outreach > Outreach Activities > Science Festivals

Science Festival Activities

Glasses of different coloured liquid behind a glass containing 5 sticks of sugar crystals in different colours.

Welcome to our Crystal Adventures, our hands-on crystallography activities for kids! Together we would like to take you on an adventure to explore the wonders of crystals with activities involving sugar, chocolate, snow and Lego. Our Crystal Adventures form part of the Cambridge Festival. Together we will explore what crystals are, what they look like, how they grow and discover what’s inside them.

On this page you will find four activities, starting with our Molecules at Home activity which introduces you to three crystals that are hiding in our homes, all you need to do is find them!

But, before we start, lets go on a short journey together to discover what a crystal is through this short video…

Video thumbnail which takes you to the Crystal adventures video on YouTube.

Welcome to the Crystal Adventures

What is a crystal? What is a database? Find out in this short video

Crystals.

Let the Adventure Begin!

Molecules at Home

Detective needed: molecules wanted! Chemical substances are hiding in plain sight in our houses: can you help us find them?

Crystals of Sugar

Have you ever wondered how you can grow your very own sugar crystals at home?

Chocolate and Lego

Chocolate and Lego: it sounds like the perfect plan for the afternoon.

Make Your Own Snow

When we think of crystals we often think of beautiful snowflakes.

Watch our science festival playlist

In this activity we will use Lego walls to help us understand crystals and polymorphism, the phenomenon that causes chocolate to lose its snap.

When we think of crystals we often think of beautiful snowflakes.

Welcome to our Crystal Adventures! Together we would like to take you on an adventure to explore the wonders of crystals.

Have you ever wondered how you can grow your very own sugar crystals at home?

Why is new chocolate shinier than old chocolate? What is the white powdery layer observed on old chocolate?

In this activity we will use Lego walls to help us understand crystals and polymorphism, the phenomenon that causes chocolate to lose its snap.

When we think of crystals we often think of beautiful snowflakes.

Welcome to our Crystal Adventures! Together we would like to take you on an adventure to explore the wonders of crystals.

Have you ever wondered how you can grow your very own sugar crystals at home?