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Learners compare the properties of two balls that appear identical. One ball bounces, while the other ball "thuds." The “bounce” ball is made of the polymer polybutadiene (-C4H4-).

In this activity, learners prepare four polymer elastomers and then compare their physical properties, such as texture, color, size, and bounce height.

In this activity, learners identify different plastics in a mystery bag. Learners discover that plastics are classified #1 through #7.

Visitors use heat to shrink samples of polystyrene. They compare samples from containers that were shaped in different ways during manufacturing.

In this activity, learners use Teflon (PTFE) tape to write secret messages.

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.

Learners add drops of alginate solution to a solution of calcium chloride. The alginate does not mix with the calcium chloride, but forms soft gel beads.