I created an investigation box for students in a third or fourth grade classroom. The investigation box is about exploring different mixtures and textures. In the box I have included sand, salt, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, cornstarch, confectioners sugar, canola oil, and orange Kool-Aid. I have note cards in the box to prompt the students to explore the different materials in the box. I want the students to use their different senses to explore the mixtures and textures. I have magnifying glasses in the box and I have an explanation to students on a note card to use the magnifying glass to observe the mixtures and textures. I also have on a note card to feel and smell the different mixtures and textures. I want the students to see if any are similar by the sight, touch, or smell of he mixtures and textures. In the investigation box I have water and cups provided. I have on a note card to have the students pour water in each cup and place each mixture in a separate cup with the water to observe what happens with the mixture in the water. I have a spoon in the box to have them stir the mixtures in the water to observe what it looks like. I have created an recording sheet of the different mixtures and textures for them to write or draw what they experienced. In my investigation box I provided two books about how scientists use their senses to explore. The books are Scientists Ask Questions by Ginger Garrett and You Can't Smell a Flower with Your Ear! by Joanna Cole and Illustrated by Mavis Smith. I also have provided the book by Dr. Seuss called Bartholomew and the Oobleck. I provided this book because I wanted the students to create the oobleck. I have provided the ingredients and measuring cups to make the oobleck which is one cup of water and one and half cup of cornstarch with a big mixing bowl. After the students have made the oobleck I ask for them to use their senses of touch, smell, and sight with the magnifying glass to see what the oobleck is like. This provides the students with an interesting hands on activity about the use of senses and exploring different mixtures and textures.
