Mr. Helleson’s class turned into a laboratory as students tackled a sticky scientific mystery: The Case of the Slime!

🔍 Phase 1: The Comparison

To kick things off, the class used a Venn diagram to activate their prior knowledge about the states of matter.
Our young scientists shared some brilliant observations:

• Noah pointed out that while solids hold their shape, liquids take the shape of their container.
• Anna noted that both are made of atoms and molecules, but their movement and structure differ.
• Olive reminded the class that liquids can even "hide" solids, creating what we call a solution.

🧐 The Big Question

The room buzzed when Mo and Claire asked the ultimate question: "Is slime a solid or a liquid?"
To find out, Mr. Helleson challenged the students to look at the molecular level. Are the molecules packed tight like a solid, or are they far enough apart to "tumble and roll" like a liquid?

💡 The Discovery: Non-Newtonian Fluids!

After some hands-on investigation and a deep dive into viscosity (thickness), the students discovered the truth: Slime is actually a Non-Newtonian fluid! Unlike water or a wooden block, slime’s behavior changes based on how much force you apply:

• Gently handle it: It oozes and flows just like a liquid.
• Squeeze or mold it: It resists and acts like a solid!

From toothpaste to peanut butter, our students are now seeing the world—and its "thickness"—in a whole new way. Way to go, scientists! 👏✨