Unleakable Bag

In this activity, learners explore the flexibility of polymer chains by pushing sharpened pencils through a Ziploc bag. The polyethylene polymers in the Ziploc bag mold to the shape of the pencil and seal the puncture in the bag before any water can escape. Activity includes a step-by-step instructions, suggested extensions, an explanation of the science behind the activity, and a section about how polymer chains are relevant to our lives. An activity video demonstration is also available from PBS.