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Oobleck is the name of a mysterious substance. It is always a surprise and can flow like a liquid then feel like a solid. Students form small lab teams to examine, experiment with, and hypothesize about Oobleck(which is a mixture of cornstarch, water, and food coloring). They learn to use the scientific library that is needed to describe material properties. The class also holds a scientific convention to discuss experimental findings. The students are then able to turn into engineers and design a spacecraft which can successfully land on an ocean of Oobleck. In the final session, the methods the students use to analyze Oobleck are compared to those of professional scientists. Oobleck is hands on, very kid friendly, and provides students with good insight into the real work of scientists. |