Science News

Last Friday, Mike Mason visited our classroom to demonstrate more science experiments.  After a brief discussion of attributes of "living things", we created two different kinds of "goo" or "slime" that are not alive, but demonstrate some of the characteristics of being alive.  It was messy and FUN! 

The first experiment was making slime - sometimes called GAK.  There wasn't exact measuring that day, but here is a recipe I found to get you started.

Mix 1 teaspoon borax with 1 cup water.
In a separate container, mix 1/2 cup white Elmer's glue with 1/2 cup water. 
Add food color to the glue mixture, if desired.

Combine the two mixtures to polymerize.  You can use a Popsicle stick to blend.  Eventually you will need to mix with your hands.  There will be some remaining water left in your container, but that's OK. 

You can roll it into a ball and watch it bounce!  Or work it with your hands like putty. 

*Do not eat.  It is not toxic, but also not too healthy.

Store in a sealed zipper bag.

Is it a liquid, or is it a solid???  Our next experiment was to create something commonly known as "Oobleck".  You mix about 1/2 cup water with 1 cup cornstarch.  (Of course you can make adjustments to these measurements as needed.)  Stir slowly.  This suspension is sometimes called a "Non-Newtonian" liquid.  It is not like other liquids.  Play with it!  If you try to poke your finger into it fast, it won't go through.  If you poke your finger in it slowly, your finger will go right through!  Hold it in your hand!  Squeeze it until it feels like a solid in your fist. Then slowly release your fist and feel the liquid ooze out between your fingers.  



Thank you, once again, Mr. Mason and your helper, Andrew, for showing us the exciting world of science!