Plasticity Lab

Recently we did a science lab on the property of plasticity. Plasticity is a property that the mantle of the earth has. When immense heat and pressure act on the mantle, it acts like a solid. However, as if the heat and pressure decrease, the mantle would then act like a liquid. For the lab, we made a substance that also had the same property of plasticity. We did this by mixing 5 teaspoons of cornstarch with 20 milliliters of water. Then we grabbed a handful of the mixture and squeezed it. When we squeezed it, the pressure we applied made the mixture condense and act like a solid. However, as soon as we let go it went back to acting like a liquid. I found this lab very fun ( although a bit messy) and very educational.