Toy Chemistry

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In this playful, goopy activity, learners mix two liquids to create a solid (that sometimes acts like a liquid ), using basic household materials such as borax and glue. Learners experiment with stretching, flattening, twisting, rolling, jiggling and cutting this strange concoction to learn about chemical reactions and characteristics of chemical substances known as polymers.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per student)

  • 2 tsp. white glue
  • 1/4 tsp. borax
  • 4 tsp. water
  • Food coloring
  • 2 clear plastic cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Plastic spoons
  • Plastic zip-lock bag for storage
  • Plastic knife
  • paper towels

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Touch
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Bonding
      • Chemical Reactions
    • States of Matter
      • Solids
      • Liquids
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Formulating Explanations

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • WGBH

Source Collection

  • Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0714741
  • Public Television Viewers
  • Greendog