Experiment 1: Oobleck
Materials
1.
2 Cups of Cornstarch
2.
1 Cup of Water
3.
Food Coloring
4.
2 Large Bowls
5.
Wooden or Large Spoon
Instructions
1.
Mix the cornstarch, water and food coloring until you get the desired consistency.
The Oobleck solution should harden when pressure is applied, but otherwise flow like a liquid.
2.
Explain to the kids that animals with body armor are not always hard. Armadillos have hard armor that protects them from predators but is still flexible enough to allow them to move. Other animals like hedgehogs and porcupines have spikes that harden when they are frightened but are otherwise pretty harmless both to themselves and others. In fact, you can pet a Hedgehog without get hurt… BUT if you start to aggravate them, they will puff up, pop and straighten their spikes.
Armadillos, on the other hand, will roll up into a ball to protect their entire bodies .
3.
Place 2 large bowls in front: One with water and One with Oobleck. Ask the kids what they think will happen when you hit the mixtures with the wooden spoon?
BE SURE to show the kids that both mixtures are the liquids.
4.
Hit the water… SPLASH. Now hit the Oobleck… THUNK its hard.
5.
Explain that many types of armor works the same way. Its fluid, moves with the animal but when it is threatened or attacked, the armor can harden and protect them.
Experiment 2: Eggs, Water, Cornstarch, & Oobleck
Materials
1.
3 One Quart Ziploc Bags
2.
3 Raw Eggs
3.
1 Cup of Water
4.
1 Cup of Cornstarch
5.
1 Cup of Oobleck (from the Experiment 1)
6.
Packing Tape
Instructions
1.
Bag 1- Place 1 Cup of Water and an Egg in the bag, seal and tape shut
2.
Bag 2- Place 1 Cup of Cornstarch and an Egg in the bag, seal and tape shut

3.
Bag 3- Place 1 Cup of Oobleck and an Egg in the bag, seal and tape shut
4.
Explain to kids that the Egg is Animals Guts and the Water, Cornstarch and
Oobleck is its Skin. The Floor/Table is the Predator trying to eat the Animal. Ask the kids what they think will happen to the Egg/Animal if you dropped each bag to the Floor/Predator?
5.
Hold the bags at arm lengths and drop each bag 1 at a time. Drop them directly on the table for onto the floor.
6.
The Oobleck hardens on impact, protecting the egg= Armor wins! The water and cornstarch loss to the predator.