Rubber Blubber
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A fun way to kick off this gathering is to invite young scientists to see what happens when glue molecules interact with a borax solution -- you end up with a rubbery substance that actually bounces!
What you'll need
- Quart of water
- Borax
- Food coloring
- White glue
- Large jar
How to make it
Combine a quart of water and 1 tablespoon of borax in a large jar. Stir well and let the mix stand for a few minutes.
Fill a disposable cup three quarters of the way with the borax solution. Stir in a few drops of food coloring. Add white glue (in a thin steady stream), stirring continuously. Don't stop adding glue until a large stringy mass wraps around the spoon.
Pull the mass off the spoon and drop it into a container of cold water.
Remove the Rubber Blubber and, with dry hands, squeeze it for a minute or so to get rid of air bubbles. Now roll it into a ball and see how high it will bounce. Store the Blubber in a plastic bag.
