LED Education Non-Newton liquid pool

Описание: At our great event we had several activities/stations. The fourth was a pool full of non-newton liquid.
A non-Newtonian liquid is a special kind of fluid that doesn’t follow the normal rules of viscosity described by Sir Isaac Newton. In simple terms, Newton explained that most fluids, like water or oil, flow consistently when force is applied. Non-Newtonian liquids, however, behave differently—their thickness changes depending on how much stress or pressure they experience. For example, cornstarch mixed with water (often called oobleck) can feel solid when you punch it, but it flows like liquid if you let it sit still.

The study of unusual fluid behavior began in the 19th century. Sir Isaac Newton’s laws of fluid dynamics provided the baseline, and later scientists classified materials that didn’t fit those rules as “non-Newtonian.” Over time, researchers discovered a variety of these fluids, from ketchup (which becomes thinner when shaken) to quicksand (which thickens under sudden pressure).

Non-Newtonian fluids are not just curiosities; they have practical applications:

Safety gear: Shear-thickening fluids are used in protective equipment like body armor and sports padding. They remain flexible until struck, at which point they harden to absorb impact.
Industrial uses: Non-Newtonian materials appear in paints, cosmetics, and food processing, where controlling flow is important.
Medical field: Certain gels and biological fluids show non-Newtonian properties that help in treatments and drug delivery.
Fun Aspects for Kids

For children, non-Newtonian fluids are a fantastic hands-on science activity. Making oobleck from cornstarch and water lets kids explore how something can be both liquid and solid, depending on how you touch it. They can:

Try walking across a tub of oobleck without sinking.
Punch it to see how it resists force.
Let it ooze slowly through their fingers like slime.

This playful, messy exploration sparks curiosity and helps kids understand that science isn’t just about reading—it’s also about experimenting and observing the world around them.

In short: Non-Newtonian liquids bridge the gap between everyday fun and real-world applications, making them a fascinating subject for both scientists and kids.