why does it matter that we understand matter?

Picture
picture credit: www.emmaowl.com
For one reason, by understanding the Chemical and Physical changes of matter, we can make some of the
​ WORLD'S BEST PLAYDOUGH! 
​One of my favorite websites for homemade art materials is emmaowl.com. This playdough is SO easy to make, and won't dry out for months!
(I've made this recipe at my house a bajillion times, and it wins hands down as the most satisfying playdough you will ever create with :) 
**IMPORTANT : YOU NEED TO HAVE YOUR PARENT/CAREGIVER'S PERMISSION TO MAKE THIS RECIPE**

and to make matteR_ cooler...

Watch Ok Go's video, 'This Too Shall Pass'  
**Before you press play, consider that IN A PHYSICAL CHANGE OF MATTER, MATTER CHANGES FORM BUT NOT CHEMICAL IDENTITY.   Try to count how many ways Ok Go changes the physical properties of matter throughout this video.  Now you can press play below...
  • In each change, what force has caused the changes in those properties? (HINT: A lot of breaking occurs)
  • Did you catch any CHEMICAL CHANGES OF MATTER in the video? Remember that something can change physical form, and as long as it remains the same chemically (example: melted ice is still only water), it has not gone through a chemical change
  • Can you think of examples in art where you witness physical or chemical changes in matter? ​​

now watch ok go explain some of the cause & effects in the video. 

Some of the Forces that cause a PHYSICAL CHANGE:
  • Crumpling 
  • Melting
  • Casting
  • Breaking
  • Boiling
  • Evaporating
  • Shredding
Some things that cause
​CHEMICAL CHANGES:
  • Burning 
  • Souring
  • Mixing 
  • Digesting
  • Cooking
  • Heating
  • Baking
  • Rusting
EXTEND YOUR LEARNING...
Can  physical change be undone?
Can you think of some examples?
(one example: Ice can melt, then be refrozen without any chemical changes. It is still just water) 
Challenge yourself to create a Physical change in matter that you can then reverse or return to it's original physical form? What forces will you use to change the physical form, and then what forces will you use to restore it's original form?

The clay process

Consider the stages clay goes through when we build clay sculptures in the art room.
​

More links to explore...

VIDEOS 

Why we should Draw More 
https://ed.ted.com/featured/wsuJRkkK
​https://www.brainpop.com/