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Gummy Shapes
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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.
Polymers are Chains (K-2)
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In this activity, learners make a paper model of a polymer, then make Silly Putty, an actual polymer.
Guar Gum Slime
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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.
What Counts in Bounce
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In this activity learners compare the bounciness of warm and cold racquetballs to see if temperature makes a difference in how well they bounce.
Shrinkers
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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.
Shrinkers: Cook up some plastic!
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In this activity (on page 2 of the PDF), learners (with adult help and supervision) investigate how heat affects polystyrene plastic.
Choose Your Ooze
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During this activity, learners will make different versions of "ooze" using varied proportions of detergent and glue.
Crocodiles
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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.
Spaghetti Strength
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In this activity on page 7 of the PDF, learners explore how engineers characterize building materials.
Gluep
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In this chemistry activity, learners make a slimy non-Newtonian fluid called "Gluep." Use this activity to introduce learners to polymers and viscosity.
Special Effects Using Household Chemicals
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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.
Exploring A Hydrogel
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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,
Flubber
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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.
Squidgy Slime
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In this chemistry activity, learners transform two ingredients (4% polyvinyl alcohol solution and 4% borax solution) into gooey slime.
Milk Plastic
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In this activity, learners transform everyday milk into small plastic figurines and jewelry. Use this activity to introduce learners to monomers and polymers.
Flubber: Make a polymer!
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This activity (on page 2 of the PDF) features a recipe to create the stretchy polymer Flubber from Borax detergent, white glue, and water.