If you have been following the last few weeks, you will have noticed the theme for the Monday Morning Material centers around our UU Living Traditions. We have covered the first three, and now we look at:
5.Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
Activity:
Oobleck
When the children aren't in the room with you, prepare your scientific experiment by adding water to a pitcher and placing 2 boxes of cornstarch in a large tub or container. Next, bring the children into the room and ask them to observe the two substances that you have before you. Ask that they hold their comments until everyone has had a chance to observe.
Pour some of the water into the tub, the ratio of cornstarch to water should be about 4:1.
Now, ask the children to share what they think the substances are.
Once mixed together are the substances the same or different? Ask the children if they would like to touch the substance. Is it wet or dry, solid or liquid?
Scientifically speaking, it is a non-neutonian substance, which simply put, is any substance that doesn't fit neutons law.
Scientists admit that they don't fully understand why cornstarch and water act the way they do, so it is kind of a mystery.
Enjoy and play with your Oobleck. If you place the left over oobleckon a tray it will dry out and you will be able to reuse the substance several more times before it gets moldy.
If your children watch Mythbusters, there is a great episode where Jamie and Adam "walk on water". Check it out, it is worth the visit.
A possible link in, watch the Sorcerer's Apprentice. I enjoyed the link between magic and science. Does magic exist? What about science? Can there be science that is magical, mysterious? I think it is important to tackle these big ideas with children.
Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
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