Is Gelatin a Solid or a Liquid?

SciShow Kids

In this engaging episode of Sci Kids, host Anthony and his robot friend Squeaks explore the unique scientific properties of gelatin. After enjoying a delicious dinner, their dessert sparks a scientific inquiry: Is gelatin a solid or a liquid? Through a series of kitchen-friendly experiments involving a colander, boiling water, and a refrigerator, they investigate how this wobbly snack behaves differently than standard solids like pasta or liquids like water. The video covers fundamental chemistry concepts including states of matter, the process of dissolving, and the definition of a mixture. A key highlight is the explanation of a "colloid," which is illustrated through a clever animation comparing the microscopic structure of gelatin to a spider web that traps water droplets. This visual metaphor helps students understand how a substance can possess characteristics of both solids and liquids simultaneously. This resource is highly valuable for early elementary science classrooms introducing states of matter. It moves beyond the binary solid/liquid classification to encourage critical thinking about complex substances. The video provides a perfect launchpad for hands-on classroom activities involving mixtures, temperature changes, and edible science, making abstract chemical concepts tangible and delicious for young learners.