Grade 3: Solid, Liquid or Gas?
Do you know the properties of matter? Third graders studying a unit on solid, liquid and gas made a substance called “oobleck” to determine, based on its properties, what type of matter it is.
Using a recipe of water and cornstarch they got to work mixing and kneading the oobleck. Their teacher, Mrs. Benge, helped by suggesting that they’ve achieved the perfect oobleck consistency when they can pick up a clump, form it into a ball, and then watch it flow like a liquid back into the bowl. These properties make oobleck a “suspension” (known as a non-Newtonian fluid). This means it is not a solid or a liquid but has properties of both! Squeeze it into a ball and it will feel solid, but when you open your hand it will flow like a liquid. It changes based on the amount of pressure you apply to it. Who knew?
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Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
