Search Results

In this chemistry activity, learners use guar gum to make slime. Use this activity to introduce learners to polymers, viscosity, and colloids.

In this activity, learners use chemistry to “self-assemble” gummy shapes. Learners discover that self-assembly is a process by which molecules and cells form themselves into functional structures.

In this activity, learners make a paper model of a polymer, then make Silly Putty, an actual polymer.

In this activity, learners create a gelatinous slime using guar gum powder and borax. Educators can use this simple activity to introduce learners to colloids.

In this activity learners compare the bounciness of warm and cold racquetballs to see if temperature makes a difference in how well they bounce.

In this hands-on activity, learners use heat to shrink samples of polystyrene plastic (#6 recycle code). Learners compare the size and shape of the plastic pieces before and after shrinking.

In this activity, learners investigate the movement of water into and out of a polymer. Learners test the diffusion of water through gummy bears, which are made of sugar and gelatin (a polymer).

In this activity (on page 2 of the PDF), learners (with adult help and supervision) investigate how heat affects polystyrene plastic.

During this activity, learners will make different versions of "ooze" using varied proportions of detergent and glue.

Learners observe and compare the sizes of three toy “growing” crocodiles made from water-absorbent polymers. One is it its original state, dry, hard, and about 10cm long.

In this activity on page 7 of the PDF, learners explore how engineers characterize building materials.

In this chemistry activity, learners make a slimy non-Newtonian fluid called "Gluep." Use this activity to introduce learners to polymers and viscosity.

In this activity on page 4 of the PDF (Behind the Scenes with Chemistry), learners make some special effects, including snow and breaking glass, with supplies found in the home.

In this activity on page 10 of the PDF, learners develop an experiment to answer the following question: "How much water can the hydrogel in a baby diaper hold?" Use this activity to explore polymers,

Learners experiment with a piece of Silly Putty® by stretching, bouncing, and snapping it. They then create flubber, a similar substance, by mixing diluted glue and a solution of sodium borate.

In this chemistry activity, learners transform two ingredients (4% polyvinyl alcohol solution and 4% borax solution) into gooey slime.

In this activity, learners transform everyday milk into small plastic figurines and jewelry. Use this activity to introduce learners to monomers and polymers.

This activity (on page 2 of the PDF) features a recipe to create the stretchy polymer Flubber from Borax detergent, white glue, and water.