Exploring Materials: Hydrogel

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In this activity, learners discover how a super-absorbing material can be used to move a straw. Learners discover that hydrogels can absorb a lot of water, like the one used in this activity, which can absorb 1,000 times its weight in water! Use this activity to discuss how hydrogels can be used at the nanoscale to manipulate tiny structures. Activities with Jell-O® are a great complement to this activity, since Jell-O® is also a hydrogel!

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Sodium polyacrylate powder
  • Plastic spoon
  • Plastic water bottle
  • Small paper cups (3 oz. bathroom size)
  • Stir sticks or toothpicks

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering
      • Chemical Engineering
      • Nanotechnology
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Bonding
      • Chemical Reactions
      • Solutions
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0532536
  • National Science Foundation, 0940143