Elementary science project failed :( What went wrong? How can Shona succeed, (despite my supervision)

Question

Science project is mixing 1/2 c. H2O & 1/2 c. corn starch to make "Non-Newtonian Fluid". It didn't jell, just dribbled.

What was done incorrectly, you think?

Help please, Shona wants to try again.

Thank You

Harry Gams

Answer 1

Sometimes the chemicals in the drinking water will cause certain reactions not to take place.  Try using distilled water or bottled water.

Answer 2

mix together at room temp.  apply heat to bring to gentle boil for 5mins. Allow to cool.

Answer 3

You left out the corn starch.  I don't remember how much but start with a quarter cup and stir it a lot.  Just keep adding small amounts of corn starch until you get a consistency you like.  The trick is to stir and stir a lot.  You can also add food coloring for fun.  Good luck.

Answer 4

It's not as simple as just mixing the water and cornstarch in equal quantities.

I usually start with water, and mix some food coloring in, then I add cornstarch until I get the right consistency.  Mix it well throughout the process, so it doesn't clump.

Answer 5

Non-newtonian fluids generally remain liquid. It is only once sharp force is applied that they seem to gel up. once the kinetic force is canceled out, it is liquid again.

Answer 6

You could try 1/4 c water instead. Know that it won't jell--only when you put pressure on it will it get more solid. It's the coolest stuff. Try to pick it up and it solidifies a bit; once in your hands, it dribbles all over. If that's what yours is doing, that's all you need to do!