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In this lesson you will learn about the phases of matter. Complete this activity.

You will make a mixture using water and corn starch. Then you will decide if your mixture is a solid or a liquid based on your observations.

Use the table below to determine the characteristics of solids vs. liquids

Property Solid Liquid
An object can pass through it. check
It can be poured between two containers.   check
It can bounce. check  
It can shatter. check  
It can hold its shape. check  

Procedure

  1. Mix \(\small{\frac{1}{4}}\) cup of water and \(\small{\frac{1}{2}}\) cup of cornstarch in a cup or a baggie.
  2. Continue to mix until the cornstarch is dissolved in the water.
  3. Download the Phases Of Matter Activity
  4. Complete the following tests on your mixture and record your observations in the data table.
  5. Go to the class discussion for this project and go over the following questions:
    • In what ways did goo yuck act like a solid?
    • In what ways did goo yuck act as a liquid?
    • Do you think Goo yuck is a solid or a liquid? Why? (Be sure they give specific examples)

Quick Finger Poke Test Try to poke your finger into the mixture so that the tip of your finger touches the bottom of the cup.  Try to reach the bottom in one second.
Slow Finger Poke Test Try to poke your finger into the mixture so the tip of your finger reaches the bottom of the cup in 10 seconds
Conformity Test Put the mixture into another container or plastic baggie.  Check to see if the mixture takes the shape of the container or stays in its original shape.
Pour Test Try to pour the mixture from one cup to another.
Bounce Test Hold the mixture a few inches from your table.  Drop it.  Does it bounce?
Shatter Test Put the mixture in wax paper. Hit it with your fist.  Does it shatter?
Shape Test Try to form the mixture into a ball.  Check to see if it holds its shape for 5 seconds.
  Excellent Above Average Satisfactory Below Average
Completion and Knowledge The student shows a full understanding of the topic and thoroughly completed the assignment. The student shows a good understanding of the topic and met most of the assignment requirements. The student shows some knowledge of the topic and completed some of the assignment requirements. The student does not seem to understand the topic and did not complete the assignment.