Soupy Science

From show 21

Wave Maker

Wouldn't it be nice to see ocean waves whenever you'd like? With a little oil, a little water, and a little imagination, you can do just that with the Wave Maker. Or for outside fun, mix up some Soupy Goop and roll it between your hands... you'll be surprised!

Ingredients:

  • Clear Plastic Soda or Water Bottle (2.0 liter size is preferable)
  • Food Coloring (blue and green or colors of your choice)
  • Vegetable Oil, colorless
  • Tap Water
  • Glitter or Metallic Confetti or small Trinkets (optional)

Directions:

Fill bottle half way full with water and add about 4 drops of food coloring. Confetti of glitter can be added next if desired, a few pinches at a time. Using a small funnel, fill the bottle the rest of the way to the cap with vegetable oil. Add a dab of glue around the threads on the bottle top, screw the cap on tightly to seal. Colored plastic tape can be wrapped around the cap for extra sealing protection and decoration.

Tilt and rock slowly from side to side to create action in your wave maker!


Soupy Goop (also in "soupy science" segment)

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 to 2 Cups Cornstarch
  • 1 Cup Water
  • 1 Tablespoon Poster Paint - your choice of color(s)

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl stir together the water and poster paint. Add the cornstarch and mix well with your hands until all the cornstarch is moistened. It will tend to stick to the sides of the bowl, but keep mixing.

The desired effect is for the mixture to form a soft ball when rolled between your hands or to turn soupy and run like melted chocolate when placed on a flat surface or between your fingers when not rolling the ball.

If it will not form a ball, the mixture is too watery. Simply add more cornstarch a couple tablespoons at a time, mix well and try again. If it won't run when relaxed, it is too dry. Add more water a couple tablespoons at a time, mix and test.

The entire family can dig in with a lots of "ooohs" and "aaaahs"!

Cleanup note: Use a cloth with warm soapy water for surfaces or wash fabric with regular laundry detergent.


Important note: Adult supervision and participation is required for this activity.



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