Students will learn polymerization while creating a bouncing ball that glows. Polymers are molecules made up of repeating chemical units. Glue contains a polymer, which cross-links with borax, creating a polymer. Mix 2 tbsp. warm water and 1/2 tsp. borax powder into a cup. Stir the mixture to dissolve the borax. Squeeze the ink of a yellow highlighter pen into the mixture to make the ball glow. Mix 1 tbsp. glue in a cup with 1/2 tsp. of the borax solution and 1 tbsp. cornstarch. Allow ingredients to interact for 15 seconds and stir. Start molding the mixture into a ball. It is now ready to bounce.
Teenagers will have a blast this Halloween creating an eerie smoke-filled jack-o'-lantern while learning about sublimination. Sublimination occurs when a chemical turns from solid to gas but skips the liquid phase. Carve a pumpkin into a jack-o'-lantern. Put dry ice and warm water in a container and place inside the pumpkin. Break open a light stick and pour the contents in the dry ice mixture for an eerie effect. Eerie glowing smoke will soar out of the pumpkin like magic. Dry ice is carbon dioxide that has been compressed to create ice. Always wear gloves before touching dry ice; it can cause severe burns.
Learn a lesson in energy this Fourth of July using party poppers and common ingredients. Party poppers contain a tiny amount of gunpowder and confetti. Cut a small hole in a tennis ball. Empty the contents of three party poppers in the ball. Add 1 cup flour. Spread out two pieces of plastic wrap. Place about 1 cup vinegar in one piece and 1 cup flour in the second one. Wrap up the plastic into two tight balls. Place a string in the tennis ball. Put the balls in the tennis ball. Light the ball and step away! The tennis ball will explode, sending the flour upward. When making and setting off a bomb, it is always important to be outside in an open area.
Study Newton's third law of motion: "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." Seal one end of a plastic tube with duct tape. Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into four pieces. Fill a plastic film canister half full of water. Drop one piece of tablet in the canister and snap the lid on quickly. Place the canister in the tube upside down. The canister will shoot out of the tube and launch with a blast. Carbon dioxide gas builds up pressure, causing the canister to fly out of the tube. Alka-Seltzer contains (baking soda) and citric acid when the two combine they produce carbon dioxide gas. Only conduct this experiment outdoors.