SFA Workshop 5

We began our first workshop of 2025 by explaining the classification of a solid and a liquid, specifically about the different properties they have and gave examples for each one. We used a ppt that we made, and it had short questions on whether each substance named on the slides are solids or liquids. We expanded this into the concept of a non-Newtonian fluid, which can be defined a fluid that changes its properties (similar to the features of a solid or a liquid) based on the pressure applied.

The experiment we planned to do first was the Oobleck experiment. The mixture made was a non-Newtonian fluid and we wanted to give the students to come up one by one and feel the fluid once or twice to observe how its flow differs. However, the water prepared for us was warmer than we expected, causing the cornstarch to disperse, leaving no form to touch. In our past workshops, all our experiment demonstrations were successful, so we were quite flustered. We learned to make sure everything is in order on site before we do the experiment- I always do a pilot experiment beforehand, but I didn't expect the temperature of the water to be different. Despite a short period of concern from our end, we decided to wait until the water cools and the cornstarch to sink to the bottom. We handled the situation relatively well, and I think we would be able to manage it even better if a similar incident happens later on (hopefully, everything will work out well in the first place the next time).

So, we moved on to the next experiment we had planned, which was making handmade slimes, another example of a non-Newtonian fluid. The children had never seen a slime before, so they were easily intrigued, especially after the demonstration to show them what slimes are and the procedure we would follow. Thanks to the practice we had, we did not make any mistakes in helping them in making them. In fact, I thought everything went better (it took less time to make the slimes, and the proportions of the materials needed we settled on was on point) than when I did it at home that the students could even make a second one after the first. With their first one, we helped them with the proportions and the glitter (purely for decorations, added at the very end), as well as mixing it until a smile is formed, but in the second one, they seemed to know exactly what to do (even though we did help them from time to time, they could go through most of the procedures independently on their own). We asked them to wash their hands after they're done making the slime and playing with them for a while and gather around for the next activity. 

Slimes & slimes & more slimes!😆

The second experiment, which was originally meant to be our first, was, much to my relief, able to take place, as the cornstarch did sink to the bottom of the container while we were making the slimes. After showing them how it would feel like and how they should apply force, the students came up one at a time. Maybe it's because of the softness of the cornstarch or the mere fact that it was something that they could comprehend our explanation better from feeling it, but the children really enjoyed this activity that it was making myself proud for selecting this experiment.

From what I saw, it was the best session they had so far, or at least the one in which they had the most fun in, which was evident from their wide smiles. We handed them the snacks we prepared once again, and to some of them who asked, taught a few easier Korean words ('hi,' 'sister,' and 'younger sister') that they wanted to know. We didn't forget to take a group picture with the children holding the slimes to remember this workshop! We had our own slimes, so we had those in our hands, too. It would be difficult to forget this experience even without the pictures, but the pictures would definitely help in the long run😂

Even now, when I look at the pictures from the previous workshops, I can remember the time I had with the children and the SFA members, and I'm excited to see what more unforgettable and cherished memories we would make as our journey with the children continues! I knew that teaching the children science would be a good way for me to connect with some of my favorite things (after all, I like both children and science- I was bound to have fun), but my time as the leader of the SFA has been far more rewarding for me than I had expected. 

I feel like I'm starting to sound like this was the last workshop we would have, but no worries! I was just getting a little emotional all of a sudden thinking about it😅 I can't wait for the upcoming workshops, and I hope to plan experiments and activities that the children would be able to learn something from while enjoying them- I feel like the bar went up a little today, but I have no doubt we'll think of something good. After all, the world of science is a vast one, and we still have a lot of options to choose from!