• To become familiar with polymers.
• To create non-toxic balls from household items.
• To make observations and comparisons in a consistent, scientific manner.

Applicable Science Concepts:

• Definition of a polymer
• National Standards for K-4
• National Standards for 5-8

Supplies:

• Elmer's® White Glue-All
    (1 fl. oz. per ball)
• Elmer's® Blue Glue Gel
    (1 fl. oz. per ball)
• Borax powder
    (1 g per ball)
• Liquid latex rubber, from local craft or hobby store
    (1/2 fl. oz. per ball)
• 5% acetic acid (household vinegar)
    (1/2 fl. oz. per ball)
• Small disposable plastic cups
• Plastic stirring rod or wooden stick
• Tap water
• Small sealable plastic bags
• Ruler (for finding bounce height and diameter)
• Scale (for finding mass)
• Length of string (for finding circumference)

Safety:

• Wear safety glasses and lab aprons, if available.
• If a chemical gets into eyes, immediately flush eyes with water.
• Always avoid inhaling fumes of chemicals.
• Never taste any chemicals or items used in the laboratory.
• Elmer's® White Glue-All and Blue Glue Gel are nontoxic, but should not be ingested.
• Borax is an eye irritant.
• Liquid Latex is preserved in ammonia and will have a very strong odor.
• Household Vinegar is a 5% acetic acid solution.
• For Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on these chemicals, click here.

Activity:

• Preparation:  Make polymer balls according to instructions in the table below.

Polymer Balls
Ball #1 Elmer's® White Glue-All and Borax Powder	Ball #2 Elmer's® Blue Glue Gel and Borax Solution	Ball #3 Liquid Latex Rubber and Household Vinegar
Instructions for Making Ball #1	Instructions for Making Ball #2	Instructions for Making Ball #3

• Investigations:  Conduct the following tests on polymer balls.


Physical Appearance:  Describe the texture, color, smell, and other observable characteristics.
Comparisons:  Compare the different types of balls, OR compare the same type of ball made by different students.
Bounce:  Bounce the ball and observe its bounce height and the sound it makes. Also try bouncing ball on different surfaces.
Measurements:  Find the circumference, radius, diameter, and mass of the sphere.

• Photo Documentation:  Click here for photographs from this experiment.

Suggestions for Assessment:

• Online Quiz for Level 1
• Printable Quiz for Level 1
• Student Feedback
• Teacher-created worksheet

Enrichment Activities on Polymers: Read about Paul Lemur© and the definition of polymers on the Macrogalleria. Take a trip to the Macrogalleria shopping mall.  It's full of polymers! Here are some Grade K-4 activities and Grade 5-8 activities involving polymers. Here are some fun activities using gelatin - a natural polymer! Here is a great page on the history of bubble gum.