Gumdrop Chains and Shrinky Necklaces


A gumdrop (molecule) chain
A cross-linked polymer model

Procedure:

  1. Thread a needle with strong thread.
  2. Thread a gumdrop and knot to hold in place.
  3. Continue to add gumdrops, carefully knotting and spacing about 2.5 inches apart.
  4. Do a second chain.
  5. Connect the two chains by threading the two chains together at the gumdrops. Try to leave about 2 inches between the gumdrops.
  6. Gummy bears can be substituted for the gum drops.

Polymers are giant molecules (too small to see) made up of smaller molecules called "monomers". By crosslinking your gumdrop chains, you have created a crosslinked polymer. They won't behave like unlinked chains: they can't move as easily.
Click here to read more about what a polymer is.
Click here to read more about crosslinking.

Thank you to Ruth Kinsler for finding this activity in Super Science Concoctions Jill Frankel Hauser, Williamson Publishing, October 1996, ISBN#1885593023

Take a look at these books that can be used with polymer activities:

Try these activities: "Doing Science" by asking questions:
Why not do some more fun things with your gumdrop chains?

Written by Gina Watkiss, Georgia Polymer Ambassador

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