CAMP SPOTLIGHT: G. WIZ Sci-Warts Academy of Magical Sciences

It’s Monday, Aug. 6, and G. WIZ campers are making a big, gooey mess at the Sci-Warts Academy of Magical Sciences. They’re mixing cornstarch with water and food dye to make Oobleck, stirring it with popsicle sticks, using the “imobulus” freezing charm on it and then testing out its ability to perform as both a solid and liquid, depending on how quickly an object penetrates it.

Classes are based on “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” This week, campers will also compete in Quidditch and partake in the Deathday Feast in honor of Nearly Headless Nick.

BY THE NUMBERS
307 — Students who have attended Sci-Warts to date
7 — Gallons of pumpkin juice consumed this summer
307 — Magic wands made to date
11 — Charms used this week
6 — Magical creatures and muggle reptile and arachnid cousins researched this week
548 — Campers this summer
Too many to count — Boxes of cornstarch used for Oobleck

CAMPER SPOTLIGHT
Malakai Stears and Dallas Collins
Two campers chat about their Oobleck (cornstarch and water) concoctions.

So what’s happening over here?
Malakai: Oh-mi-gosh, it became solid!
What’s inside your cup?
Malakai: Umm … blue dye and cornstarch.

What does it do?
Malakai: It makes it a solid.

Did you put it in your hands?
Dallas: I did!

How does it feel?
Dallas: Good.

What does it smell like?
Dallas: Smells like solid stuff.
Malakai: Oh, it smells terrible!

Is it fun?
Dallas: It’s awesome! I wish my whole hand was a solid!