Part I: The First Signs of Life!

Instructions:

  1. Watch the video: Start the activity by watching the short videos above about bioluminescence and magnetic bacteria. The videos also explain the science of bioluminescence and magnetotactic bacteria which we’ll use while making slime!
  2. Pour the base: Pour 6 oz (3/4 cup) of glue into a mixing bowl. Imagine this as the foundation for life, where simple building blocks come together.
  3. Add structure: Add 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda to the glue and stir well until fully mixed. Think of this as an essential ingredient that helps give the slime form, similar to how certain molecules played a role in early life’s structure.
  4. Introduce individuality: Add a few drops of food coloring or glow-in-the-dark powder to give the slime its unique “personality.” Stir until the color is evenly distributed. Reflect on how some organisms might have started to develop unique characteristics to adapt to their environment.
  5. Create movement: Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of contact solution to the mixture and stir until it starts to thicken and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
  6. Knead and refine: Use your hands to knead the slime until it becomes stretchy and less sticky. If it’s sticky, add small amounts of contact solution (a few drops at a time) and keep kneading.
  7. Add complexity: If desired, knead in iron dust for magnetic slime after the slime is fully formed. This represents how life became more complex over time, incorporating new elements to adapt and evolve.
  8. Analyze your slime: Once the slime is made, spend a few minutes playing with it. Stretch it, squish it, and observe its properties. Discuss with your group:
  • What characteristics does your slime have that might relate to living organisms?
  • How is it adaptable, flexible, and dynamic?
  • Did you use multiple adaptations? Explain your your new type of adaptation.

Ready to try foam slime?

  1. Add 1/2 Tablespoon of baking soda to the mixing bowl.
  2. Pour in 1/4 cup of water and stir gently until the baking soda dissolves.
  3. Add 2 cups of shaving cream to the bowl and gently fold it into the mixture with a spoon or spatula.
  4. Measure 1 1/2 tablespoons of contact solution, pour it into the bowl, and stir gently until the mixture starts to come together.
  5. Add a few drops of food coloring or glow-in-the-dark powder if you want, and stir until the color is even.
  6. Pour in 2/3 cup of white glue and stir until the mixture turns into a slime-like consistency.
  7. Knead the foam with your hands until it feels stretchy and less sticky. If it’s sticky, add a few drops of contact solution and keep kneading.
  8. Add extra items like iron dust (for magnetic foam) or foam balls (for texture) or even glow-in-the-dark powder if you want.
  9. Enjoy your foam lava! Squish, stretch, and shape it. Store it in an airtight container or bag when you’re done.
Part II: Scribbling Zoo Bots!

Instructions:

  1. Watch the video: Start by watching two videos. The first video demonstrates how a Scribble Bot works, showing how the motor and markers create movement and patterns. The second video introduces the general characteristics of life. These are the traits shared by living organisms, such as movement, responsiveness, and energy use. As complete this activity, reflect on whether or not your Scribble Bot contains any of these characteristics! 
  2. Gather your materials: Refer to the materials list and image provided above.
  3. Set up your workspace: Clear a flat surface and gather your materials. Have a large piece of white paper ready to place on the ground for your bot to scribble on.
  4. Build the body: Attach the markers to the paper cup using rubber bands. These markers will act as the “legs” of your robot. Make sure they are evenly spaced for balance.
  5. Attach the motor: Secure the motor paper cup body. Ensure it’s stable and positioned so its vibrations will move the robot.
  6. Connect the power: Find a spot and adhere the battery pack close to the motor. Connect the wires from the motor to the battery pack.
  7. Test the robot: Turn on the motor using the battery pack switch. Observe how your Scribble Bot moves and adjust the markers or motor if needed to ensure smooth movement and pattern creation.
  8. Add your paper: Lay a large piece of white paper on the ground and place your Scribble Bot on it to create patterns.
  9. Transform your bot into a zoo animal: Use craft materials (e.g., construction paper, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, feathers, or foam sheets) to decorate your Scribble Bot. Decide on your animal and create features like ears, tails, or wings to bring your zoo animal to life. Attach your decorations securely to the paper cup body without interfering with the motor or movement.
  10. Experiment and customize: Adjust the marker positions or motor placement to observe how the patterns change. Experiment with decorations that highlight and enhance your robot’s animal features. Challenge yourself to create a scenario where your robot responds to a stimulus. For example, can you arrange the legs and motor so that the robot changes direction when it touches something?
  11. Capture your creation: Once your zoo-animal Scribble Bot is complete, place it on the paper and let it scribble unique patterns.
Part III: Animal Prosthetics!

Instructions:

  1. Watch the videos: Start by watching the above videos about animal prosthetics for inspiration. Notice how prosthetics are designed and used to help animals.
  2. Understand the challenge: Each group gets a stuffed animal with a simulated injury. Your job is to design and build a removable prosthetic (e.g., limb, wing, flipper) to help the animal.
  3. Gather materials: Use tape, cardboard, pipe cleaners, pool noodles, scissors, paper towel rolls, markers, and other craft supplies provided.
  4. Brainstorm ideas: Sketch at least three possible prosthetic designs on paper. Choose the best one based on function and fit.
  5. Build the prosthetic: Use your materials to create the prosthetic based on your chosen design. Make sure it fits securely and is removable.
  6. Test and improve: Attach the prosthetic to the stuffed animal and test it. Adjust your design if needed for better functionality or fit.
  7. Decorate: Add animal-themed decorations to your prosthetic to blend in and reflect your animal’s unique identity.
  8. Present: Share your finished prosthetic with the group. Explain your design and how it helps the animal.
  9. Evaluate: Look at other students’ designs and give feedback. Consider how well their prosthetics fit, function, and meet the challenge.
  10. Reflect: Think about what you learned during this activity and share how this could relate to real-world animal care.
  11. Capture your creation: Scan the QR code, Take a picture or video to share on the Padlet.

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