This past week our Grade 5 scientists investigated to see whether their cornstarch/water mixture acted like a solid or a liquid? Based on our understanding of the characteristics of matter the answer may surprise you.
Here’s what you need:
Cornstarch
Pitcher of Water
Aluminum pie pans
Measuring cups
Mixing spoon
Newspaper for covering tables
Food coloring or tempera paint (for fun)
What to do:
Place one and a half cups of cornstarch in a pie pan
Add one cup of water, and stir well.
Add more water or cornstarch until you get a mixture that ‘tears’ when you quickly scrape your finger through it and then ‘melts’ back together again.
Squeeze it…Squish it…Scoop it…Pinch it…What happens?
-L. Pembridge
