STEM4all Hosts Their Second STEM Friday at NCCF

Yesterday, February 11, STEM4all-Maryland, a local, student-run nonprofit and a school club at Walter Johnson High School, hosted its second STEM Friday at the National Center for Children and Families (NCCF) from 5-6 pm. NCCF is a nonprofit organization in the Washington metropolitan area that serves more than 50,000 people. They aim to preserve childhood and the quality of life of homeless families, victims of domestic violence, and neglected children.

Three high school students brought three tubs of cornstarch and five water bottles. Providing bowls, mixing spoons, and paper towels for the mess, they engaged children at the shelter in a science experiment.

By gradually adding water to a bowl of cornstarch and mixing, they were able to create Oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid. A non-Newtonian fluid is a substance that behaves like both a liquid and a solid. When applying pressure, the material hardens like a solid. However, when releasing pressure, the material turns gooey and appears to melt into a liquid. This is due to the fine cornstarch particles, which do not sink to the bottom and instead suspend in the water, creating a suspension.

STEM4all-Maryland's next STEM Friday is Friday, February 24.

Try the experiment out yourself with their free handout here.

Support their efforts by donating here.