Praxis: A sneak peek at what’s in store at the Family Science Olympics

By BYLINE on October 19, 2019.

praxis@praxismh.ca@PraxisMedHat

Oh my what a busy week it has been. I was pretty fortunate to have a sneak peek at the activities being prepared for our upcoming Family Science Olympics on Oct. 26! I can absolutely guarantee that there will be fun and learning for all that come out to this annual free event. I can hardly believe that we have been doing this for 28 years already; where does the time go? Well, I am not sure if I should give you a sneak peek or not. Oh I just I cannot resist. Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

– cornstarch

– water

– measuring cups

– spoon/stir stick

– large bowl or container

Procedure

1. Measure 250 mL (one cup) or cornstarch. Carefully pour this into your bowl.

2. Add 125 mL (1/2 cup) of regular tap water.

3. Stir well. All of the cornstarch should be mixed into the water. If it is not, add a bit more water until it is fully incorporated.

4. Observe.

5. Get your hands in there, squeeze it. Let go.

6. What happens?

What is going on?

I absolutely love this mixture! It can provide literally hours of fun. Some mixtures have two forms such as this. The first form is known as isotrphy. This is when a liquid becomes a solid when moved. On the other hand, thixotropy is the opposite. It is when the mixture becomes more liquid as it moves.

In this experiment, when you squeezed the mixture, it should have turned into a hard ball between your fingers. Wait for it. When you let go, it should have oozed out through your fingers and dropped back into the bowl. Pretty awesome, right!

Can you think of any examples of this in real life? What about quicksand or even wet sand on the beach? When you first start walking, the sand feels quite firm under your feet. Then it becomes kind of liquid like as your feet sink into it as you are moving. Running across the sand will make it feel more sturdy or hard, but if you walk slowly, it will feel like you are sinking and could disappear!

Mark your calendars! The annual Praxis Family Science Olympics will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Medicine Hat College. Doors open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Hands-on science fun for all ages.

Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community”. Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. NOTE our NEW address: #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403-527-5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca.

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