WARM-UP

Complete the following table to review the properties of liquids and solids. Write "yes" or "no" in each column of the table.

Property	Solid	Liquid
Assumes the shape of its container
Can be formed into a sphere
Flows
Crumbles

MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT

• 1 clear plastic cup
• 1 craft stick
• corn starch
• water
• measuring cups

LAB SAFETY AND PROTOCOL

Do not wash the material you are about to make down the sink. Throw it in the trash.

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PROCEDURE

1. Measure 1/4 cup (level) of corn starch into the paper cup.

2. Measure 1/8 cup (level) of water into the paper cup.

3. Stir quickly until the mixture is smooth.

4. Does the material look like a solid or liquid (why)?

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5. Poke your finger into the material. Does it behave like a solid or liquid (why)?

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6. Take a spoonful of the material in your hand and roll it into a ball. Then place it on the desk. How did it behave when you tried to roll it into a ball?

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7. On the desk?

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8. Pick it up again and hold it for a few minutes. Do you observe any changes that demonstrate the presence of a gas?

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CONCLUSION

Is this material a solid, liquid or gas?

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Copyright 1996, D.M.Candelora. All rights reserved. Reproduction for educational use is encouraged.