How to Make Putty for a Science Fair Project
Although most people think of putty as a toy, it can also be very scientific. In fact, if you are looking for a science fair project that will excite your child, putty might be a great subject matter. Not only will your child make the putty, but also he'll need to experiment with different ratios of the ingredients to make sure he has what he considers the best recipe. He'll also learn by testing how various conditions impact the mixture.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure 2 cups all-purpose glue and place it into a large container.
-
2
Measure 1 cup liquid starch, and pour it into the container with the glue.
-
-
3
Mix the ingredients together by hand until the consistency is pliable like putty; this will likely take between 10 and 15 minutes. Record how long it takes your putty mixture to set. Add more glue if the putty seams too thick, or add more liquid starch if the putty seems too runny. Measure and record any amendments to your recipe. Place the lid on the container for storage.
-
4
Make another batch of putty following the same recipe on a day with different conditions, such as outside in the hot sun or cool shade. Record how long it took to mix the ingredients together.
-
5
Compare the ingredient lists and the time it took for the mixture to form and make predictions on how the recipe is affected by different temperatures.
-
6
Test your predictions by making other batches of putty in differing conditions. You could use a large walk-in refrigerator, or simply mix the ingredients in an open chest-style freezer. Try mixing the ingredients in a steamy bathroom while the hot water is running in the shower.
-
7
Make more batches of putty with ingredients of altered temperatures. For example, use ingredients at room temperature, refrigerated ingredients or ingredients warmed up in the microwave.
-
8
Analyze how temperature affects the making of putty and determine which conditions are best for making the mix.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you want to make colored putty, add several drops of food coloring to the glue before you add the starch.
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
