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Technology and Engineering
Cast and Molds:
Using various molds and liquid gelatin to represent heated, liquefied materials such as molten metal, or plastic, students will pour the liquid into the mold and refrigerate to represent the cooling off process. When the gelatin hardens, students will remove the mold to tactually experience the various shapes. When preparing the gelatin use 1 ½ cups of boiling water to dissolve it, rather than the one cup of boiling water followed by one cup of cold water described on the package. Stir until all the gelatin dissolves. The resulting gel has a firmer texture than traditional gelatin which holds up better under tactual examination.
Spraying the molds with non-stick spray may facilitate removal.
Extrusion:
Using tubes of frosting and different frosting tips students can kinesthetically experience how materials such as plastic are formed in a factory.
The students may notice how difficult it is to exert a constant squeezing pressure on the tube. The extruded shapes need to dry for about 24 hours before they are firm enough to be handled. The frosting in the tubes also makes excellent “mortar” to hold together bricks of various materials.