The STEM Lab

After exploring energy sources last week in a hands on lab, the fifth grade students learned about potential and kinetic energy through an experiment where they used polymers to create a bouncy ball. This science experiment allowed them to take a look at states of matter and how the combination of different materials can drastically alter the state of the final product.

They carefully followed the recipe to combine borax, water, and glitter to join it with glue and cornstarch. The students then kneaded the resulting mixture as it changed from a liquid to a solid. 

The successful combination was then rolled into a ball shape that bounced when it had dried. Students then used it to explain potential and kinetic energy! Science is fun!