Runny Liquids
An industry making a solution based on a wood resin which needs to meet specific criteria for optimum manufacturing conditions forms the basis for the children's activities. They learn about the properties of liquids and try a range of tests including classification, investigating viscosity and the effects of warming.
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Mixing Muddle
Science topic: States of matter
Type of enquiry: Comparative/fair tests
Keywords: LKS2, liquids, viscosity, investigating, recording, gases, solids, states of matter
The children classify a range of everyday liquids from water to shampoos, according to their physical properties.
Runny measuring
Science topic: States of matter
Type of enquiry: Comparative/fair tests
Keywords: LKS2, liquids, solids , gases, states of matter viscosity, investigating, recording
Measurements of 'runniness' are made by timing a marble dropping through a cylinder of liquid, or by pouring liquid through a funnel and measuring the time taken.
Changing runniness
Science topic: States of matter
Type of enquiry: Observing changes over time
Keywords: LKS2, states of matter, solids, liquids, gases, viscosity, heating, cooling
A teacher demonstration to show the effect of warming liquids on viscosity.
The challenge
Science topic: States of matter
Type of enquiry: Problem solving
Keywords: LKS2, problem solving, viscosity, solids, gases, states of matter.
Using cellulose paste, children make pastes of different viscosities which retain the property of sticking paper, but which do not run off the paper.
The findings
Science topic: States of matter
Type of enquiry: Problem solving
Keywords: LKS2, problem solving, presenting results, states of matter, solids, liquids, gases
Children write a letter to industry, based on their findings. They suggest ways to ease the stirring of liquids.