CARMELO THE SCIENCE

FELLOW’S

EXPERIMENTS OF THE MONTH

 

CREATING, OBSERVING, AND COMPARING

THREE DIFFERENT POLYMERS

 

I. The definition of a polymer- substances consisting of large molecules that are made of many small, repeating units called monomers.

II. Examples of polymers- rubber, Tupperware, nylon stockings, Styrofoam, glass.

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  1. Experiment #1:

GAK RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup white glue

food coloring of your choice

1 cup of liquid starch

PROCEDURE:

  1. Pour the glue and five drops of food coloring in a plastic containr.
  2. Stir until the color is thoroughly mixed in.
  3. Add the starch a little at a time, stirring with a spoon or kneading with your fingers as the mixture thickens.
  4. Keep stirring until the mixture holds together like putty.
  5. Test with your fingers; if too sticky add more starch in small amounts until the substance is smooth and rubbery.
  6. Observe

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  1. Experiment #2:

GLORAX (FLUBBER RECIPE)

INGREDIENTS:

Water

Ziploc bag

White glue

Borax

Measuring spoon

PROCEDURE:

  1. Put 3 tablespoons of water into a ziploc bag.
  2. Add one tablespoon of white glue.
  3. Add two heaping tablespoons of borax (laundry detergent). It must be borax.
  4. Knead and stir the mixture.
  5. Shape the mixture into a ball. If the mixture is too sticky, roll the ball into a litle bit of borax.
  6. Enjoy stretching this elastic substance.
  7. Observe

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  1. Experiment #3

SILLY PUTTY RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

Elmer’s glue

Liquid starch

PROCEDURE:

  1. Place two tablespoons of white glue into a cup.
  2. Place one tablespoon of liquid starch into the cup.
  3. Mix and knead the substance.
  4. Shape into a ball. If the mixture is to sticky, place some more starch.
  5. Observe.

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  1. SAFETY PROCEDURES:

Slimes can wreak havoc with plumbing, so don't throw them down the drain.

 

Keep slimes away from anything they could damage. They can dry into fabric, and any dyes they may have can stain.

 

Wear rubber gloves when touching the borax because some people are allergic to the powder.

 

http://freeweb.pdq.net/headstrong/slime.htm

http://www.delta.edu/~slime/index.html