Science Fun at STEM Club

Year 7 students, Harley Rowson and Jack Butler, getting hands-on at STEM Club

Year 7 and 8 science fans were given a real treat at last Monday’s after-school STEM Club as they got to grips with making non-Newtonian fluids.

In science, one of the first things students learn is the difference between solids, liquids and gases and, although these are generally quite clear, there are some that require a closer look.

Non-Newtonian fluids are a good example of this as they can sometimes act like a liquid and sometimes act like a solid.

During Monday’s experiment, the students mixed small amounts of water with cornflour to make a fluid, but the harder they stirred, the more difficult it became.

Science teacher, Mrs Griffin, explains: “With enough mixture, it would be possible to walk on it because it behaves like a solid when the force of the impact is large enough.”

“However, if you stood still, you would immediately sink into the gloop and the harder you tried to pull yourself out, the more stuck you’d become.”

STEM Club offers Year 7 and 8 students the chance to enjoy a varied programme of fun science and technology activities. Hands-on practicals include making sparklers, growing crystals, producing ice cream using chemical reactions, and creating a chemistry of colour.

Interested in joining? STEM Club takes place in Room 42 and runs every Monday from 3.05pm to 4.00pm.

Share this post!
<< Back to All News