A Work in Process: Improving a Play Dough Process
Science Topic: Solids and Liquids
Engineering Field: Chemical Engineering
Country: Canada
Storybook: Michelle's MVP Award
In this unit, students shape their understandings of sequenced processes, the properties of solids and liquids, and some possible outcomes of mixing the two, as they get serious about play dough.
Students follow in the skate-steps of Michelle, the storybook’s Canadian kid hockey-player turned junior-chemical engineer. Michelle uses her knowledge of processes and play dough to help her team raise money to see their favorite pro team play.
In the classroom, students tackle the challenge of creating the way to improve an “okay” play dough recipe. On the way, they explore the properties of a good dough and compare their own sample to it. Then they improve a standard process for mixing the ingredients--to ensure that it creates a just-right dough. Along they way, they discover that the process really can make the difference between a goopy blob and super sculpting medium.
GEMS Connection: Secret Formulas, Liquid Explorations, Involving Dissolving
FOSS Connection: Solids and Liquids
STC Connection: Solids and Liquids
Insights Connection: Liquids