Glenwood Landing’s School-Wide Enrichment Services under the direction of Audra Marcantonio conducted a science program called Slime, Goo, and Ooze hosted by the Long Island Science Museum.
“Children participated in a series of hands-on science investigations designed to deepen and extend the second grade science unit, States of Matter = Changes,” Marcantonio said. “We were fortunate to have a representative from the Long Island Science Museum lead our students in various investigations with plastic that utilized their senses, were fun and interactive, and explored properties of matter including solids and liquids.”
In one investigation, students made “gak” by mixing a liquid plastic (glue) with water and green food coloring. They watched it turn from a liquid to a green solid when they added a powder (Borax) and stirred with a stick. Different observations made by the students included: it was wet, cold, sticky, green, and moved slowly. Students got to roll the “gak” and even bounce it on the floor.
In another investigation, the second graders made “flubber” by mixing a liquid plastic with melted plastic then adding Borax and mixing with a stick. Students drew conclusions including: it had a brownish-yellow color, had a bad odor, moved quickly, was cold, and was very slippery. Students were able to stretch the “flubber” with their hands or sticks.
At first, they students were complaining about how sticky the substances were. After stirring and creating a more solid matter, students were able to play with their “goo or slime.” This hands-on experience allowed for a greater understanding of the different states of matter and their properties. Students were able to bring a small ball of this “flubber” or “gak” home in a plastic bag.
