Got a young scientist at home? Try this project with him! Molecules are made up of atoms that are stuck together in a particular shape or form. Create your own molecule design with this home-made clay recipe and toothpicks!
What You Need:
- Cornstarch clay (baking soda, cornstarch, water)
- Toothpicks
What You Do:
- Mix 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup cornstarch, and 2/3 cup of water in a saucepan. Have a grown-up help you cook the mixture on the stove over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it resembles mashed potatoes. Remove from the stove and let cool.
- Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, help your child knead the clay on your work surface, adding more cornstarch if necessary to make the clay soft.
- Have your child form the clay into small balls. They should be a bit bigger than the size of a pea. Make sure you make at least 10 small balls of clay that you will need to build your molecule design.
- Using your toothpicks, begin building your molecule. Stick the toothpicks into your clay - about 1 cm in.
- Continue adding toothpicks and clay balls as needed to build your molecule shape.
- Once your molecule is shaped, carefully place the entire sculpture into a sunny, dry area so that the clay can dry.
- Now your scientist is ready to show his molecule model at the next science fair!
Note: You can also add food coloring your clay to make different colors for your molecule model.
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