Objectives 
In this lesson, students will: 
· Observe what happens when cornstarch and boiling water are mixed together.
· Write down their observations using descriptive sentences
· Research why changes take place

Time Frame 
1-hour session

Materials
1. Cornstarch 
2. Boiling water
3. Wooden spoon 
4. Pie tin
5. Internet access
6. Email address of local chemistry teacher

Procedure
1. Adult:  Mix together cornstarch and boiling water.  Stir mixture with wooden spoon until cornstarch is dissolved.  
2. Cool mixture
3. Students pick up cooled mixture and squeeze it through their fingers.
4. Students write descriptive sentences about their observations:
· What does the mixture look like in the pan?
· How does it feel when touched?
· What occurs when a small handful of the mixture is picked up and squeezed? 
· Why does this happen?
· What experts might know why this happens?
5. Students can find the answers through a local high school chemistry class if that teacher is willing to provide email information to the class.
6. The students have observed thixotrophy.  This is the property exhibited by certain gels becoming liquid when stirred, shaken, or squeezed.  Cornstarch, a tasteless solid carbohydrate, and boiling water create this type of gel.