This module explores complex fluids, mixtures that have characteristics of more than one phase of matter. It features a video of cornstarch "coming to life" -- when combined with water, the resulting mixture becomes a non-Newtonian fluid with properties of both a solid and a liquid, depending on the amount of pressure or force applied to it. In a related hands-on activity, learners make a polymer called "Gak" from borax powder, glue, and water. The experiment is a springboard for teaching about polymers, long-chained molecules consisting of smaller repeating molecule units (known as monomers).

Please note that this resource requires Quicktime.