It can be said that all children are little scientists. They observe, question, hypothesize, test and draw conclusions. As soon as babies start exploring they start testing the world around them. What will happen if...I cry? I throw my Cheerios on the floor? Put this tiny piece of fuzz in my mouth? But there is something special when your child can verbalize their thoughts and can be brought to a higher level of thinking.
It was a cold winter day when Ally texted, “Can i come over and chat?”
I replied, "Of course!" But this created a problem that needed a quick solution.
How can you keep two toddlers occupied for at least 30 minutes on a moments notice?
Research:
Part of being a mom and a teacher means I have to think quick on my feet. Luckily, I knew there was a project I had been wanting to do with Lucas for awhile and this was the perfect time to test it out. I brought out the glue and borax to make two polymers with Lucas. Goop and Silly Putty.
Hypothesis:
If I make the Goop, then Lucas and Chuck will be entertained long enough for the mom’s to have a real conversation.
Experiment:
First Lucas and I made the Goop. Lucas was in charge of stirring the glue mixture, I helped with the borax to make sure it all dissolved. Lucas chose to make purple Goop, so we added red and blue food coloring to the glue. He noted “Look, mama it’s changing” as the colors swirled together. We added in the borax solution and soon had a nice runny Goop to play with. To avoid any sharing issues with Chuck we made her another batch, Lucas chose yellow. Lucas helped pour the glue, and he was a little heavy handed so we ended up with Silly Putty! Silly Putty is a little bit thicker, which makes it less likely to drip off tables and onto carpets (yay!).
As Lucas began exploring he exclaimed, “it’s so soft!” Then he used his pointer finger to press into the Goop, “I am making dots!” First he made dots quickly, then he realized if he held his finger down longer he could make his dots bigger! We left the Goop on the table for a little while and it dripped off the edge. It was quite runny, so it dripped quickly and was fun to watch.
We broke out the playdough toys and had a great time. When it was time to clean up the Silly Putty and the Goop ended up in the same container. The next day it lead to a great discussion on what happened to the yellow goop, since it mixed together and all turned purple.
First , Lucas and I made the Goop. Lucas was in charge of stirring the glue mixture and I helped with the borax to make sure it all dissolved. Lucas chose to make purple Goop, so we added red and blue food coloring to the glue. He noted “Look, mama it’s changing” as the colors swirled together. We added in the borax solution and soon had a nice runny Goop to play with! Chuck was coming over so to avoid any sharing issues we made her another batch, Lucas chose yellow. Lucas helped pour the glue, and he was a little heavy handed so we ended up with Silly Putty! Silly Putty is a little bit thicker, which makes it less likely to drip off tables and onto carpets (yay!)
As Lucas began exploring he exclaimed, “it’s so soft!” Then he used his pointer finger to press into the Goop, “I am making dots!” First he made dots quickly, then he realized if he held his finger down longer he could make his dots bigger! We left the Goop on the table for a little while and it dripped off the edge. It was quite runny, so it dripped quickly and was fun to watch.
Conclusion:
Lucas loved the Goop, but didn’t play with the Silly Putty until the next day (probably because he made it for Chuck!). Chuck was more interested in playing in the sink, but that’s okay because Ally and I still had time to talk. We can call this experiment another playdate success!
Lucas loved the Goop, but didn’t play with the Silly Putty until the next day (probably because he made it for Chuck!). Chuck was more interested in playing in the sink, but that’s okay because Ally and I still had time to talk. We can call this experiment another playdate success!
Directions
Goop
2tsp borax disolved in 1/2 cup hot water
1/4 c white glue mixed with 1/4 cup hot water (plus food coloring)
Add borax solution slowly to glue until desired consistency is reached (i only used about half of the solution)
Silly Putty
3 tsp borax dissolved in 1/2 cup hot water
1/3 glue 1/4 water
Add borax solution slowly to glue until desired consistency is reached.
Add borax solution slowly to glue until desired consistency is reached
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