Facilitator will introduce the Hele-Shaw apparatus and explain the procedure. Students will draw their predictions in their lab books. All groups will use glycerol and colored water for the first experiment in order to identify similarities and differences. Students will go from group to group to gather data following which a class discussion will ensue.
Students select two liquids other than glycerol into which to inject colored water.
Have students record their predictions of the relative viscosities and of the shapes created before carrying out the tests. Measure the viscosity by timing a ball bearing as it drops through 20 cm of the fluid in the tubing. Compare results with original experiment and note similarities and differences. An Introductory Course, June 1996 edition, starting on page 1-11. Record results in a data table in lab book, and collect class results on chalkboard.