Building Boundaries

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In this activity, learners investigate what happens at the boundary where two materials meet. Learners layer oil over water, corn syrup, and corn syrup-water mixtures, then add drops of gel food coloring to observe how the drops move, stop, spread, or change shape at each boundary. By predicting and comparing different liquid combinations, learners explore how materials can form stronger or weaker boundaries.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Water
  • Vegetable oil (about 1 cup)
  • 1 tube gel food coloring (standard food coloring/egg dye will not work)
  • 16 oz. bottle corn syrup
  • 3-5 small clear glasses (glass works better than plastic)
  • 1-cup liquid measuring cup
  • Spoon for mixing
  • Data sheet (included in the activity PDF)
  • (Optional) Ruler
  • (Optional) Smartphone or camera for recording video

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • States of Matter
      • Liquids
    • Chemistry
      • Solutions
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see

Culture, ethnicity, and gender

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Penn State University; The Franklin Institute

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Penn State University, 2021

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, DMR-2011839

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