Certain substances act like a liquid until pressure is applied, and then they appear to be solid. Others are stretchy or bounce. The scientific name for these substances is "Polymers." How to do polymer experiments safely as a fun, homeschool experiment.
food coloring (optional, as could stain clothing and skin)
Let's Play and Find Out About Slime
Slime is easy for kids to make and ever so fun for kids to to play with. This ooey, gooey, slippery, and slimy stuff provides a perfect opportunity to guide kids to discover new things by applying what they already know. By Janice VanCleave.
Gloopy oobleck
Most liquids' viscosity changes because of temperature. But non-Newtonian fluids' viscosity changes because of pressure. Scientists haven't decided yet what makes oobleck behave like this.
The following recipes contain Borax, which is a toxic substance. The experiments should not be done in the kitchen nor near food or food preparation areas. Limit the time children are exposed to it, and tell them never to put it near their mouths, nor eat until their hands are washed. If they have an upset stomach or rash afterwards, push fluids, and the symptoms should go away. When interest has waned, use to kill ants somewhere away from children and pets.
Make Borax solution:
Take 2 tablespoons borax (You can buy this at a grocery store
or online) and add to 1 cup of water and
stir.
Add 1/2 cup of Borax
solution to water and glue mixture
Stir and store in a plastic bag
Mix well. Add food coloring if you wish. Let it dry about
an hour. When ready, it will be smooth and rubber-like. Store
in an airtight container.
Bouncy Polymer Chemistry
In this experiment you will make your own homemade silly putty. By varying the ratio of ingredients and by observing physical properties, you can determine the best recipe for the putty.
Silly Putty for Potholes
"So we were putzing around with different ideas and things we wanted to work with-and we were like, what's a common, everyday problem all around the world that everybody hates?" explains 21-year-old team member Curtis Obert. "And we landed on potholes." He and four other students decided on a non-Newtonian fluid as a solution because of its unusual physical properties. "When there's no force being applied to it, it flows like a liquid does and fills in the holes," says Obert, "but when it gets run over, it acts like a solid."
Thank you for your interest in our Faultless Starch products.
You may purchase our products online at www.agelong.com/
or by calling toll free to 1-800-892-8022. If you provide your
address we will forward an Agelong
Catalog.
We have a new Faultless
Liquid Starch that is available at K-Mart. You may wish to
call ahead to speak with the manager. If it is not on the shelf
they can order it in for you. This product will work great for
many craft projects.
If you advise us of your location, we will advise if any stores
in your area carry the Faultless
Dry Starch. It is more difficult to locate, but always available
online or through Agelong Catalog.
Again, thank you for you interest in our products.
The Dial Corporation acquired the consumer products division
of U.S. Borax in 1989 and can instruct you where to buy Borax
in your area. Look under "Laundry Care" for "20 Mule Team Borax" and add your zip code. Their phone number is (800) 457-8739, or please
visit the 20 Mule Team Laundry web site at 20muleteamlaundry.com.
Twenty Terrific at Home Science Experiments Inspired by Favorite Children's Books
Jennifer Williams
Combining classic children's literature with fun kitchen science experiments, this handbook is an ideal resource for parents or teachers who want to instill a cross-curricular approach to educating their children.
An ooey-gooey, green oobleck was not exactly what the king
had in mind when he ordered something extra-special from his
royal magicians.
Flubber
with Robin Williams
Robin Williams develops a new kind of life in the form of
flying rubber, hence the name 'flubber.' He's so into his new
experiment that he misses his wedding and his life falls apart.
