Mixing cornflour and water

Activity: "Mixing cornflour and water”

Art

• The child learned about the concept of viscosity, observing how the mixture changed from a liquid to a semi-solid state.
• They explored the concept of color mixing, noticing how different colors blended together when the cornflour and water were mixed.
• The child experimented with different textures, observing the smooth and slippery texture of the mixture.
• They practiced creativity by using the mixture to create unique artwork, such as finger painting or creating patterns and designs.

Science

• The child learned about the properties of the cornflour and water mixture, understanding its unique behavior as a non-Newtonian fluid.
• They explored the concept of molecular bonding and how it affects the viscosity of the mixture.
• The child observed the phenomenon of shear thickening, where the mixture becomes more solid-like when force is applied.
• They gained knowledge about the states of matter, experiencing the transition from a liquid to a solid-like substance.

Continued Development Tips: Encourage the child to further explore artistic possibilities by experimenting with different ratios of cornflour and water to achieve varying levels of viscosity and texture in their artwork. They can also explore the scientific principles behind non-Newtonian fluids, such as researching other examples and conducting experiments to further understand the behavior of these substances.

Book Recommendations

• The Science of Slime by Megan Borgert-Spaniol and Veronica W. Gagne: This book delves into the science behind various slimy substances, including non-Newtonian fluids like the cornflour and water mixture. It provides hands-on experiments and explanations for curious minds.
• The Art and Science of Mixing Colors by Carolyn Carlson: This book explores the art of color mixing and its scientific foundations. It covers various techniques and theories behind color combinations, providing practical tips for artists.
• The Secret Life of Water by Masaru Emoto: This book offers a unique perspective on water and its properties, including its ability to hold energy and respond to different stimuli. It explores the connection between water and our emotions, incorporating both scientific and artistic insights.