Lesson Goals:
| Big Idea: When two or more different substances are mixed, a new substance with different properties may be formed. |
TEACHERS: Click here for a fun way to present this lesson!
Reminder to get parent permission 24 hours prior to using these ingredients in the classroom (as per district policy).
STEM EXTENSION: For a stronger engineering connection provide craft materials such as craft sticks, cardstock cups, and plates and challenge kids to make a probe capable of landing on the surface of Planet Whatzit. Fill a large aluminum pan with "Whatzit" so the group can test their probes by dropping them into the pan from a fixed height.
Warnings
Questions about Whatzit that need to be answered:
Possible "What happens when..." or "What happens when you try to..." questions to get you started:
Reminder to get parent permission 24 hours prior to using these ingredients in the classroom (as per district policy).
STEM EXTENSION: For a stronger engineering connection provide craft materials such as craft sticks, cardstock cups, and plates and challenge kids to make a probe capable of landing on the surface of Planet Whatzit. Fill a large aluminum pan with "Whatzit" so the group can test their probes by dropping them into the pan from a fixed height.
Warnings
- Don't drop Whatzit on a couch, deck, or sidewalk. It's hard to get off.
- Whatzit isn't poisonous, but it tastes awful. Wash your hands after playing.
- Wear old clothes, as Whatzit tends to get messy.
- Don't worry too much if it gets on something; it will come out with a little water.
- Lay a couple newspapers on the floor so it doesn't get all over the floor or table.
- Whatzit may solidify if it's not kept wet. If it hardens, just throw it away.
- If Whatzit is left out too long, it will dry out and turn back to cornstarch.
Questions about Whatzit that need to be answered:
- What properties does Whatzit have?
- Ask questions as you experiment with your Whatzit. Most should start with "What happens when..." or "What happens when you try to..."
Possible "What happens when..." or "What happens when you try to..." questions to get you started:
- What happens when you slowly push on the Whatzit?
- What happens when you quickly push on the Whatzit?
- What happens when you let the Whatzit hang from your hands?
- What happens when you put Whatzit into the freezer overnight?
- What happens when you try to pour Whatzit?
- What happens when you try to float things on Whatzit?
- What happens when you try to form the Whatzit into a ball?
- What happens when you try to tear Whatzit into pieces?
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