Core Skills Analysis
Science
- Explored physical properties of air dry clay, such as texture, malleability, and drying process.
- Observed the transformation of a malleable substance into a solid form through evaporation of moisture.
- Gained a practical understanding of materials science by manipulating a non-Newtonian substance.
- Understood the relationship between material composition and drying time influenced by environmental factors.
Tips
To deepen understanding of the science behind air dry clay, encourage the student to experiment with different environmental conditions like humidity and temperature to see how drying time varies. Extend learning by investigating the chemical components of air dry clay and how additives affect its properties. Incorporate discussions about porous materials and absorption by comparing air dry clay to other modeling materials such as polymer clay or natural clays. A hands-on project could involve making homemade air dry clay to explore ingredient ratios and the resulting material characteristics, reinforcing concepts of mixtures and chemical reactions.
Book Recommendations
Learning Standards
- ACSSU077 - Properties and uses of natural and processed materials
- ACSHE061 - Influence of people and environments on materials
- ACSIS064 - Planning and conducting investigations into physical changes of materials
Try This Next
- Design a worksheet comparing drying times of air dry clay under different conditions like sunlight vs shade.
- Create a step-by-step experimental log where the student documents the changes in texture and hardness over several days.