Related Links

  • Science Fair Project Guide

Project Summary

Difficulty  3 
Time required Very Short (a day or less)


Share this Project Idea!


Facebook Twitter Delicious Digg MySpace |More Services


Donate to Science Buddies

Sponsor

Sponsored by a generous grant from the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation

* Note: This is an abbreviated project idea, without notes to start your background research or a procedure for how to do the experiment. You can identify abbreviated project ideas by the asterisk at the end of the title. If you want a project idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk.

Abstract

In this project you'll make a liquid that will contradict your expectations. Hold it loosely in your hand and it will drip off your fingers, but grab it tightly and it will feel solid. Slap a bowl of it with a spoon, and instead of splattering, it solidifies. Do background research on colloids, and be sure you can explain the following terms: colloid, Newtonian fluid, non-Newtonian fluid, thixotropic. (For instructions on how to make it see the link listed under Exploratorium, 1998, in the Resources section, below.) What happens if you put it on a flat surface? Does ooze leak through a small hole in a piece of paper? Are there other examples of non-Newtownian fluids? What do they have in common? How does "ooze" differ from a solution, such as sugar in water? (Exploratorium, 1998; Gardner, 1999, 30)

Bibliography

Variations


Last edit date: 2006-12-27 17:38:39


Career Focus

If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring careers in Chemistry.

Chemist
Everything in the environment, whether naturally occurring or of human design, is composed of chemicals. Chemists search for and use new knowledge about chemicals to develop new processes or products.
  Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers solve the problems that affect our everyday lives by applying the principles of chemistry. If you enjoy working in a chemistry laboratory and are interested in developing useful products for people, then a career as a chemical engineer might be in your future.

Chemical Technician
The role that the chemical technician plays is the backbone of every chemical, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical manufacturing operation. Chemical technicians conduct experiments, record data, and help to implement new processes and procedures in the laboratory. If you enjoy hands-on work, then you might be interested in the career of a chemical technician.
 



Join Science Buddies

Become a Science Buddies member! It's free! As a member you will be the first to receive our new and innovative project ideas, news about upcoming science competitions, science fair tips, and information on other science related initiatives.


Support Science Buddies

If this website has helped you, won't you consider a small gift so we may continue developing resources to help teachers and students?

 



 


It's free! As a member you will be the first to receive our new and innovative project ideas, news
about upcoming science competitions, science fair tips, and information on other science related initiatives.

Science Fair Project Home      Our Sponsors      Partners      About Us      Volunteer      Donate      Contact Us      Research Grants & Outreach      Site Map

Science Fair Project Ideas      Science Fair Project Guide      Ask an Expert      Blog      Teacher Resources      Parent Resources      Student Resources      Science Careers      Join Science Buddies     


Privacy Policy Science Buddies

Copyright © 2002-2010 Science Buddies. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of material from this website without written permission is strictly prohibited.
Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Fair Use.