Made and played with non-Newtonian fluid using cornflour and water

Science

• The first-grade child learned about the concept of non-Newtonian fluids, understanding that they can behave like both a liquid and a solid.
• The activity introduced the concept of viscosity, as the child experienced the change in texture and flow of the non-Newtonian fluid when pressure was applied.
• The child engaged in a hands-on exploration of material properties and their behavior, fostering a basic understanding of science and experimentation.
• By mixing cornflour and water, the child learned about mixtures and the idea that some substances can mix to form new, unique materials with different properties.

To further develop the understanding of non-Newtonian fluids, you can encourage the child to experiment with different ratios of cornflour and water to observe changes in the behavior of the mixture. Additionally, you can introduce the concept of states of matter by discussing how the non-Newtonian fluid behaves as both a liquid and a solid. Explore other household materials that exhibit similar behavior and encourage the child to predict and test their properties.

Book Recommendations

• Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss: A fun story about a boy and a king who learn about a peculiar substance called oobleck, which behaves like a non-Newtonian fluid.
• What is the World Made Of? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld and Paul Meisel: This book introduces the concepts of states of matter and materials in an engaging and understandable manner for young readers.
• Goopy Ghost at St. Pat's Parade by Vicky Kruckeberg: This book features a playful ghost made of goop, emphasizing how materials can have unusual behaviors like non-Newtonian fluids.