Silly Putty

Theme: An unstable person is of two minds—unsure whether or not to trust God.

Bible Verse: He who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind . . . he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:6, 8)

Materials Needed:

• Cornstarch

• Water

• Popsicle or stir sticks

• Tablespoon measure

• Coffee mugs

• Small plastic bags

Bible Lesson

James 1:5 invites the believer to ask God for wisdom and understanding about daily decisions. There is one requirement for this help, however. The request must be made with no wavering or doubt (v. 6). A doubter is not sure whether God hears him or if God even understands his plight. Such a man is double-minded; he attempts to divide his trust between God and himself.

This unfortunate person can be humorously compared to Silly Putty. The strange material does not keep its shape but always tends to flow downward. The putty has no strength; it can easily be twisted, bounced, or flattened. Silly Putty is unstable and cannot be trusted to maintain its shape. Likewise, the unstable person cannot be trusted as an example to follow because he lacks the balance of God’s wisdom.

Science Activity

The participants will make their own “Silly Putty,” an amusing rubbery substance. Have each participant follow this recipe:

Place about ½ cup of cornstarch in each mug. Put newspaper under the mug to catch any spills. Now slowly add water, stirring with the popsicle stick. Add water until a gooey, fluid-like consistency results. If too much water is added, additional cornstarch will thicken the material. Fingers can also be used in mixing. You have now made your own form of Silly Putty, which can be pulled from the cup.

This interesting material can be stretched and shaped, but it will slowly spread out and flatten when left on its own, somewhat like thick syrup. Place a small heavy object on the putty and watch it begin to sink out of sight. When quickly pulled apart, the putty will break like plastic. If pressed against a newspaper the putty also may pick up some of the print.

Homemade Silly Putty displays unusual properties.

Science Explanation

The putty is a suspension of cornstarch in water. This material has dual properties of both a solid and a liquid. It flows like a liquid but can also be broken and pulled apart. It appears wet but becomes powdery if rubbed between your fingers. This putty withstands the sudden shock of being hit, but it cannot support the weight of objects laid upon it. Other familiar non-Newtonian fluids, as they are called, are paint, ketchup, and commercial Silly Putty. Although this putty is nontoxic, participants should wash their hands afterward. If placed in a pocket or on furniture, the putty will slowly enter the fabric. In such cases it can be dissolved away with warm water. The putty can be stored in a closed plastic bag. After prolonged storage the putty may develop mold—discard it if this occurs.

Silly Putty originated in 1943, through efforts to make synthetic rubber during World War II. James Wright, a Dow Corning engineer, first made Silly Putty. He put this new material away on the shelf, thinking it a poor substitute for rubber. Later, someone realized that the putty made a cute toy. Introduced on the Howdy Doody television program in 1957, Silly Putty quickly became a national fad. More recently, the putty has been useful as a grip strengthener and also as an art medium.