Lesson: Freaky Fluids

Distribute the “I Notice, I Wonder” skills sheet to the class. Have students examine the article’s images and watch the video “Killing Time” online. Instruct them to use the skills sheet to record observations and questions about what they saw. Encourage them to spend time discussing their ideas before you read the article to find out more.

Have students follow along while you read the article aloud. After reading, give students time to fill in the rest of the “I Notice, I Wonder” skills sheet. Then discuss what they have learned about the artist’s design process. Ask for volunteers to give answers to the post-reading question: Describe how Mesplé addressed one of the technical challenges he faced. Discuss why it was important that Mesplé didn’t give up when he faced an obstacle. Ask students to share an experience in which they overcame a challenge to create or do something that makes them feel proud.

Summarize student observations or questions about magnets that they shared in Step 1 or 2. Tell students they are going to use diagrams of magnetic fields to figure out how magnets interact with each other. Distribute the “Force Fields” skills sheet for students to complete. If bar magnets are available for student use, have students re-create the diagrams with the bar magnets. Instruct them to move bar magnets around one another to determine the placement of poles and to investigate how the distance between the magnets affects the strength of the magnetic forces.

Let students explore surface tension using the simple hands-on activity “Sit or Sink?” Ask students to use their results and the article to explain how surface tension helps form ferro fluid sculptures.

Have students complete the article’s “Check for Understanding.” Then have them complete the Learning Journey to create their own spooky sculpture. Ask them to turn in photos of their designs along with a paragraph that explains how they overcame challenges while making their sculpture.

⇨ SEL: This lesson plan contains social-emotional learning support related to self-management.

⇨ VIDEO EXTRA: Watch a video showing how magnetic liquids appear to come alive.