As teachers we’re so busy trying to find ways to engage our students that we don’t realize sometimes some of the simplest ideas can help students relate science to reading. One such book is Dr. Seuss book,
” Bartholomew and the Oobleck,” introduces student to the concepts of physical science. Here is a brief summary of the book: Dr. Suess incorporates elements of physical science in a story about a King who tries to change the weather. One day the King of Didd decides he is bored with the usual rain, snow, sun and fog that falls from the sky, he desires something more. He orders his magicians to create something else to fall from the sky and they decide to create Oobleck. The magicians announce,
“‘Won’t look like rain. Won’t look like snow.
Won’t look like fog. That’s all we know.
We just can’t tell you anymore.
We’ve never made oobleck before.’”
This little poem by the magicians lays out some basic principals of physical science by comparing unknown and known substances and trying to understand what the new form of matter is. More of this demonstration in observation surfaces later in the story when all the oobleck does fall from the sky and sticks to everything, creating a gooey, green mess. The oobleck starts clogging up bird’s nests and instruments, it forces its way indoors through cracks and open windows. The Captain even tries tasting some and finds the oobleck makes him ill. All the while Bartholomew is trying to find the king to fix the problem. In the end, all the king has to do for the oobleck to go away, is publicly apologize. As soon as he says, “I’m sorry” the oobleck disappears, the sun comes out and the whole town is returned to peace. When students think about the Oobleck their trying to associate what type of physical and chemical properties the object has. One way to get students to thinking about physical and chemical properties is to try an investigative approach by conducting an experiment making Oobleck. The following materials are needed for the experiment: All you need is corn starch and food coloring and the food coloring is optional.
Recipe:
– 1 cup water
– 1.5-2 cups corn starch
– a few drops of food coloring of your choice
-paper towel for cleanup (this is one messy activity)
-a large bowl
Instructions on making oobleck:
1. This is easy. Pour the cornstarch into the bowl. Don’t rush to add water – take time to feel the cornstarch.
2. After you’ve taken-in the feel of the powder, it is time to add water. (You should add the food coloring to your water before adding it to the powder.) There are no exact formulas regarding how much water to add,
3. Dig in with your hands and really mix it up. This is usually when you notice that this is not your average liquid. Add enough water so that the mixture slowly flows on its own when mixed. If you roll it with your hands, and melt it than success. This is not your usual form of a liquid substance. Have students explore the goo for about 15 minutes.
4. Clean up time do not place goo down sink, instead have students place the goo in the trash can or trash bag. Goo clean up easily by using a warm soapy rag and water.
The Science behind this story and what it teaches: For elementary students the physical science concept of whether an object is solid, liquid, and gas. Also elementary teachers can have class discussion about color, texture, shape, density, and volume. Middle and high school teachers can explore the concept of changes in property of matter dealing with physical and chemical. Physical properties of the oobleck can be observed or measured. Students can explain the appearance, texture, color, odor, polarity and many others of the substance. Or the teacher can have a class discussion on whether students notice any chemical changes with the substance.