CIE 3 learners embarked on a captivating investigation into powders—solids that astonishingly flow like liquids. Using a funnel, they observed how common materials like sugar, salt, sand, and flour moved through it, carefully recording the time each substance took to pass.
A striking pattern emerged: coarser powders, such as sugar and sand, flowed quickly, while finer ones like flour moved much more slowly. This revealed how particle size directly affects the flow behaviour of powders—a concept not often visible in everyday life.
What seemed a simple experiment soon evolved into a deeper understanding of the hidden properties of matter. Learners refined their skills in fair testing, precise timing, and scientific observation, while engaging with real-world science in action.
This investigation turned everyday materials into gateways of discovery, reminding us that even the smallest particles can lead to big ideas—and that science often reveals its brilliance in the most unexpected places.
“Even the tiniest of particles hold the power to shape motion.”
