Chemistry

Slime is prepared in a solution of fluorescein and bromophenol blue. The resulting slime looks green, but when held up to an ultraviolet light source, the slime appears translucent red.Concepts: Polymers, fluorescence, light spectraTime Required: 15 ...

Two solutions are poured together in a beaker. A paper clip is lowered into the solution. As the paper clip is withdrawn, almost by magic a very long strand of nylon is pulled from the beaker. A super demonstration to discuss polymer concepts. Teache...

Our amazing super-duper polymer gel in a conveniently packaged kit that has everything you need to perform this gravity-defying demo-and the kit has an added twist! A fluorescent dye is included-simply add it to the alcohol poly-ox slurry, add tap wa...

When a small amount of a white powder is sprinkled into a liquid and water is added, it transforms into a thick, viscous gel. When poured back and forth between two beakers, the gel begins to take on a life of its own and literally defies gravity by ...

Polymers are an important part of our everyday life. Introduce your students to the fascinating world of polymer chemistry by making “slime,” polyurethane foam and nylon, and by demonstrating the super water-absorbent material found in disposable dia...

Try this amazing demonstration! Simply mix two viscous liquids together and watch as the mixture expands to about 30 times its original volume. Liquid "A" is a polyether polyol. Liquid "B" is a polyfunctional isocyanate. The resul...

Pour a rainbow of colors from beaker to beaker while students spontaneously erupt in a chorus of ooohs and aaahs! This multi-colored, gravity-defying, attention-getting goo will help teach your students about polymerization, hydrogen bonding, solubil...

Make an awesome spectrum of colors in a wand while teaching your students about polymers, color mixing, and the visible spectrum. Explore the science of color using dyes and water-absorbing, color-changing polymer crystals. First create an original r...

Discover the bright, rainbow-like color patterns that are created when objects made from polystyrene and other polymers are viewed between crossed polarizing filters. Brightly colored bands of different colors arise due to birefringence, making it po...

Sodium alginate is a natural “gummy-worm” polymer obtained from giant kelp and seaweed. The polymer is extremely hydrophilic or “water-loving” and dissolves in water to form a thick, viscous, smooth gel-perfect for use as a thickening agent in ice cr...

Pour distilled water into an “empty” cup and the water solidifies into a gel. In another beaker add a small amount of powder, pour in distilled water and see an avalanche of fresh powdered “snow.” These remarkable sodium polyacrylate polymers have ma...