Chong Thao
Tim Grinter
Erica Tate
Lesson Plan for Non-Newtonian fluid
The goal for the experiment to explain the property of non-Newtonian fluid is using
three types of slimes. Flubber, simple cornstarch solutions, and borax powder slimes.
Non- Newtonian fluid is a fluid whose viscosity is variable based on applied stress. If you punch
a bucket full of a shear thickening non-Newtonian fluid, the stress introduced by the incoming
force causes the atoms in the fluid to rearrange such that it behaves like a solid. Your hand will
not go through. If you shove your hand into the fluid slowly, however, it will penetrate
successfully.
Experiment One, Flubber:
In order to make flubber, we need to gather all the materials:
1 tsp Metamucil or similar soluble fiber
8 oz water
microwave-safe bowl
microwave oven
food coloring (optional)
Once we have all the materials we can go on to:
1. Mix 1 teaspoon of Metamucil with 1 cup (8 ounces) of water in a
microwaveable bowl. You can add a drop or two of food coloring if you
wish. Alternatively, you could add a little powdered drink mix or flavored
gelatin to get color/flavor.
2. Place bowl in the microwave and nuke on high for 4-5 minutes (actual
time depends on microwave power) or until the goo is about to bubble
out of the bowl. Turn off the microwave.
Chong Thao
Tim Grinter
Erica Tate
3. Let the mixture cool slightly, then repeat step 3 (microwave until about
to overflow). The more times this step is repeated the more rubbery the
substance will become.
4. After 5-6 microwave runs, (carefully - hot hot HOT) pour the flubber onto
a plate or cookie sheet. A spoon can be used to spread it out.
5. Allow to cool. There you have it! Non-stick flubber. A knife or cookie
cutters may be used to cut the flubber into interesting shapes.
6. Flubber can be stored at room temperature in a sealed baggie for several
months. It will last indefinitely in a sealed bag in the refrigerator.
Experiment Two, Borax Slimes:
Slime is easy to make. It only takes a few ingredients and a few
minutes to make a batch. In order to make Borax Slimes we need to gather
the following materials:
water
white glue (like Elmer's™)
borax
food coloring (unless you want uncolored white slime)
There are two components to slime. There is a borax and water solution and
a glue, water, and food coloring solution. Prepare them separately.
Mix 1 teaspoon borax in 1 cup of water. Stir until the borax is dissolved.
In a separate container, mix 1/2 cup (4 oz) white glue with 1/2 cup water.
Add food coloring, if desired.
After you have dissolved the borax and diluted the glue, you are ready to combine the tw
solution into the other. Your slime will begin to polymerize immediately.
The slime will become hard to stir after you mix the borax and glue
solutions. Try to mix it up as much as you can, then remove it from the bowl
and finish mixing it by hand. It's okay if there is some colored water
remaining in the bowl.
Chong Thao
Tim Grinter
Erica Tate
The slime will start out as a highly flexible polymer. You can stretch it and
watch it flow. As you work it more, the slime will become stiffer and more
like putty. Then you can shape it and mold it, though it will lose its shape
over time. Don't eat your slime and don't leave it on surfaces that could be
stained by the food coloring.
Store your slime in a sealed ziplock bag, preferably in the refrigerator.
Insect pests will leave slime alone because borax is a natural pesticide, but
you'll want to chill the slime to prevent mold growth if you live in an area
with high mold count. The main danger to your slime is evaporation, so keep
it sealed when you're not using it.
References:
http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistryactivities/ss/slimerecipe.htm
http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howtos/ht/flubber.htm