Chemical Changes

So much fun!  This activity is done after reading about states of matter, physical and chemical changes.
Before doing any experiments, we review our safety standards and decided that this was a 6.  It is glue and will make a horrible mess with fabric, as well as your hair.  So, roll up your sleeves and tie back your hair!


GAK - from Steve Spangler's Science

1tbs Borax laundry booster (found at Target)
50mL warm water
mix until Borax is dissolved

In large zip lock bag mix
1 bottle 8oz glue
200mL water
food coloring

Add Borax mixture to glue mixture

Knead with hands until it forms a lump.  Keep mixing until there isn't water left.  It will feel like smooshing grapes.

The students then explore the properties of GAK.  We listed the solid and liquid properties and discussed what the students thought it was.

We looked up information about polymers and non-Newtonian substances.
We also discussed the effects of pressure.