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Learners mix liquid water with solid cornstarch. They investigate the slime produced, which has properties of both a solid and a liquid. When they press hard on the starch slime with their fingers, the slime acts like a solid. Starch in water is a suspension of solid particles in water. When learners leave the starch slime alone, it flows like a liquid. A great opportunity to discuss states of matter. This activity is currently used in the Nature of Matter Unit in OMSI's Chemistry Lab. Cost estimates are per 100 learners.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 5 to 10 minutes
- $5 - $10 per group of students
- Ages 4 - 18
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Cornstarch (keep one box on hand)
- Water
- One Tablespoon measure
- One 400-ml beaker
- One 250-ml plastic squeeze bottle
- One 10-ml graduated cylinder
- One small cereal bowl
- One wooden stirring stick (keep six on hand)
- One plastic waste container
- One large funnel
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry
-
States of Matter
- Solids
- Liquids
Informal Categories
- Food and Cooking
- Science Festivals Activity
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, 1997
Funding Source:
- National Science Foundation