On Jan. 17, first graders at Charles Campagne Elementary School participated in an engaging program titled “Primary Properties of Matter,” presented by Nassau BOCES. The interactive session introduced students to the different types of matter and their unique characteristics.
The program kicked off with sensory activities that encouraged students to explore matter in a hands-on way. In one activity, students felt objects hidden inside a box and tried to identify them by touch. In another, they relied on their hearing to guess types of matter based on sound. These playful experiments helped students recognize the diverse qualities of matter through their senses.
The highlight of the day was a hands-on activity involving oobleck, a fascinating substance made from cornstarch and water. Students learned that oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid, meaning its behavior changes depending on the amount of pressure applied. When squeezed, oobleck feels like a solid, forming a ball in your hand. However, once the pressure is released, it flows like a liquid, slipping through your fingers.
Beyond its scientific properties, students discovered that the name “oobleck” originates from Dr. Seuss’s 1949 children’s book “Bartholomew and the Oobleck”, in which a sticky green substance falls from the sky as part of an unusual weather event.
The first graders at Charles Campagne School had an unforgettable time exploring oobleck. Not only did they enjoy the sensory play, but they also gained a deeper understanding of the fascinating properties of matter. The program left students excited about science and eager to learn more!
