Level 1

	Level 1 Lab Activity
Beginning and Elementary Science

Objective:

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:

A polymer is a large molecule, often containing many thousands of small molecules joined together chemically to form one giant macromolecule. While the terms macromolecule and polymer are used synonymously, you will see the word polymer used more often.

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 printable 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 and Household Vinegar

Instructions for Making Ball #1

Measure 30 mL (2 tbsp) of glue into a plastic cup with the 30 mL level marked.*

Add approximately 1 gram (1/2 tsp) of Borax powder to the glue.

Stir until the mixture clumps and sticks to the stirring rod or stick.

Remove the clump of polymer from the stick. Hold it under running water and shape into a ball.

Pat the ball dry and bounce it on the table top.

Save for activities.

*Prior to use, the 30 mL mark can be determined by adding 30 mL of water, (measured in a graduated cylinder) to the cup. The level can be marked, and the cup emptied and dried. Instructions for Making Ball #2

Measure 30 mL (2 tbsp) of glue into a plastic cup with the 30 mL level marked.*

To prepare borax solution, add approximately 1 gram (1/2 tsp) of borax powder to 2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) of tap water. Stir until powder is wet.

Add borax solution to the glue.

Stir until the mixture clumps and sticks to the stirring rod or stick.

Remove the clump of polymer from the stick. Hold it under running water and shape into a ball.

Pat the ball dry and bounce it on the table top.

Save for activities.

*Prior to use, the 30 mL mark can be determined by adding 30 mL of water, (measured in a graduated cylinder) to the cup. The level can be marked, and the cup emptied and dried. Instructions for Making Ball #3
NOTE: This procedure should be done under a fume hood or in a well-ventilated area.

Measure approximately 15 mL (1 tbsp) of liquid latex rubber into a marked plastic cup.*

Pour 15 mL (1 tbsp) of water into the liquid rubber and stir to mix.

Using a dropper, slowly add 15 mL (1 tbsp) of 5% acetic acid solution (household vinegar) to the latex, while continuously stirring.

When the mixture takes on the consistency of "rubber," remove it from the cup. Hold it under running water and shape into a ball.

Pat the ball dry and bounce it on the table top.

Save for activities.

*Prior to use, the 15 mL mark can be determined by adding 15 mL of water, (measured in a graduated cylinder) to the cup. The level can be marked, and the cup emptied and dried.

Investigations: Conduct the following tests on polymer balls.

Physical Appearance:

Comparisons:

Bounce:

Measurements:

Suggestions for Assessment:

Click Here for a Printable Level 1 Quiz
Student Feedback
Teacher-created worksheet

Level 1 Page

Main Page

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 and Household Vinegar
Instructions for Making Ball #1 Measure 30 mL (2 tbsp) of glue into a plastic cup with the 30 mL level marked.* Add approximately 1 gram (1/2 tsp) of Borax powder to the glue. Stir until the mixture clumps and sticks to the stirring rod or stick. Remove the clump of polymer from the stick. Hold it under running water and shape into a ball. Pat the ball dry and bounce it on the table top. Save for activities. *Prior to use, the 30 mL mark can be determined by adding 30 mL of water, (measured in a graduated cylinder) to the cup. The level can be marked, and the cup emptied and dried.	Instructions for Making Ball #2 Measure 30 mL (2 tbsp) of glue into a plastic cup with the 30 mL level marked.* To prepare borax solution, add approximately 1 gram (1/2 tsp) of borax powder to 2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) of tap water. Stir until powder is wet. Add borax solution to the glue. Stir until the mixture clumps and sticks to the stirring rod or stick. Remove the clump of polymer from the stick. Hold it under running water and shape into a ball. Pat the ball dry and bounce it on the table top. Save for activities. *Prior to use, the 30 mL mark can be determined by adding 30 mL of water, (measured in a graduated cylinder) to the cup. The level can be marked, and the cup emptied and dried.	Instructions for Making Ball #3 NOTE: This procedure should be done under a fume hood or in a well-ventilated area. Measure approximately 15 mL (1 tbsp) of liquid latex rubber into a marked plastic cup.* Pour 15 mL (1 tbsp) of water into the liquid rubber and stir to mix. Using a dropper, slowly add 15 mL (1 tbsp) of 5% acetic acid solution (household vinegar) to the latex, while continuously stirring. When the mixture takes on the consistency of "rubber," remove it from the cup. Hold it under running water and shape into a ball. Pat the ball dry and bounce it on the table top. Save for activities. *Prior to use, the 15 mL mark can be determined by adding 15 mL of water, (measured in a graduated cylinder) to the cup. The level can be marked, and the cup emptied and dried.