Chapter 9: The Science Project

One of Jeffrey Zhang's personal goals was to compete and win in a science fair. Previously Jeffrey had neither the confidence nor the ability to engage in such a project.

However science fair projects wasn't all that different from college research papers. Coming up with a novel or original idea is highly unlikely, most science fair projects are one's that have previously been done before. However, as long as the student or competitor shows a passion for learning, presents it in an eye-catching or unique way, and engages in a topic with sincerity. They give out good grades and awards.

Most of the time Jeffrey would turn to experiment labs and kits such as Steve Spangler videos, however those were much more showy and tacky compared to some simpler projects.

A cup and wet string or a cup telephone could easily go into the science of transmitting signal, vibrations and sound.

Prisms and lasers could discuss energy levels and its use in spectrometry.

Paper airplanes could easily lead to experimentation with aerodynamics and material engineering.

However the project that Jeffrey had chosen was the unassuming Oobleck, concerning viscosity and non-newtonian fluids. Although Magnets and Ferromagnetic objects were something Jeffrey considered, his focus on Oobleck was for something else entirely.

Why Oobleck?

Oobleck is a simple recipe of corn starch and flour mixed with water. It's known as slime. However, the variation of recipes was just as complex as making milk tea, bubble baths and bath bombs. It was easy and cheap to make, however the potential was endless.

Jeffrey did what he hated most, making a plan. Grabbing a manila folder from his bookshelf, he grabbed a sharpie and titled it "The Science Project."

Placing individual lined papers, he started to write the various recipes and materials he would probably need.

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[The Science Project]

"General Recipe" - Elmer glue, food coloring, liquid starch or Baking soda and Saline solution

"Simple Oobleck" or "Butter Oobleck" - Corn starch

"Glow-in-the-dark Oobleck" - glow powder

"Snow Oobleck" - Instant snow mix

"Rainbow Oobleck" - Food coloring,

"Scented Oobleck" - dish soap,

"Foam Oobleck" - Foam Beads

"Glitter Oobleck" - clear glue, glitter, glitter glue, or gold leaf

Packing and Labeling,

Mason Jars, construction paper, Printer & Ink, Office box

Transportation:

Electric scooter 1, Bicycle, Red Radio Flyer Wagon (?), Taxi...

Communication:

Home phone

Stores:

Staples, Office Max, Michaels, Walmart, Target.

Payments: Cash

Price: $12

Future concerns: Marketing, Sales, Debit Card, Bank Deposits, Transportation and Taxes

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With the recipes in place, the first challenge Jeffrey faced was funding and making purchases. Jeffrey knew although he had some savings from New Years cards from relatives and allowance from chores. He probably had less than ~100 dollars. More than enough to spend, but he had no way of purchasing or acquiring the ingredients he needed.

So as all children do, Jeffrey went to his parents.

"Mom, can we go to the arts and crafts store?", Jeffrey asked.

"Why do you need arts and crafts Jeffrey?", his mother inquired.

Now was the importance of having an educational endeavor, he would need a lot of supplies if he was going to get anywhere. As for the second batch, he opted to consider how to get more later.

(It's also definitely because author Jeffrey has amazing ideas and not the fact that he's putting it off for later. heh heh~)

"I have a science project due after break and I need a tri-fold Project board, tape, and at least a gallon of glue. I have a list here."

Jeffrey handed his mom a list of supplies needed for his project.

"That's a lot of supplies, Jeffrey.", his mom responded to his enthusiastic request.

"It's for the science fair, I've got to make a lot of it and some more to share with friends", Jeffrey explained.

"Well, if it's for school then it's fine. We'll go to the store on the weekend. Hobby Lobby or Michaels?", Jeffrey's mom asked him.

"Let's go to Michael's. Raine needs some pvc wire, pipes, socks and stuffing for her Christmas present. :) ", Jeffrey pulled out his sister's name as well.

"You two sure are busy for the holidays!", Jeffrey's mom remarked.

"Yeah, they're showing movies and making Christmas crafts and ornaments. I think Raine's working on her tinfoil sharpie tracing art", Jeffrey was changing the subject.

"That's cool, do you have your Christmas Letter for Santa, Jeffrey?", Jeffrey's mom looked at her son.

Jeffrey looked embarrassed.

"We need to mail those letters to the North Pole you know. Santa needs to prepare the presents.", Jeffrey's mom said.

"I know mom.", Jeffrey responded.

In all honestly as one grows older, the appeal of gifts become less about brand new toys and items, and more about spending time together.

Jeffrey's favorite Holiday moments and gifts were ones that he could share. Nintendo Wii and playing Just Dance and Mario Kart with his family, going to amusement parks and shows on Christmas day, and finally watching movies at home and drinking hot chocolate with his sister.

Even so, he decided to write a list later. However it was small moments like these that made him feel warm inside.