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In this activity, learners explore how nanotechnology is being used to create new types of protective fabrics. Learners play with samples of “Oobleck," a polymer (a long chain of molecules) made of corn starch, food coloring, and water. Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid and therefore acts like both a liquid and a solid. Through this activity, learners discover that scientists and engineers are designing new materials to recreate this phenomenon in flexible fabrics.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- Over $20 per group of students
- Ages 6 - adult
- Activity, Demonstration, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- 3 Boxes of Cornstarch
- 3 Containers
- Food Coloring
- Spaghetti
- Water
- 3 Quart‐sized Bags
- Real eggs
- Mallet
- Step stool (optional)
- Magnet
- Metal BB’s or washers
- Pie Tin
- D30 Hat
- Eggs (optional)
- Plastic Bags (optional)
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
- Nanotechnology
-
Engineering
-
Physical Sciences
-
Chemistry
- Chemical Bonding
-
States of Matter
- Liquids
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Atomic Structure
-
Chemistry
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- Creative Commons: Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa), Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network,
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation, 0532536
- National Science Foundation, 0940143