Summer Camp Week 3: Science!!

I had a hard time deciding whether or not do a week of space themed projects or science. Then on the drive home today from Lake Tahoe I was listening to the Science Friday podcast and was swayed by the nerdiness of Ira Flatow. Science it is. There are so many projects you can do with "science" as the theme, how could I resists?! (Although yes, I do realize that "space" projects technically are science projects too).

So let's kick off our science themed week with an introduction to polymers!! (And by that I mean, read on for the Gak recipe. Is it a liquid or a solid?)

Gak

materials:

1 1/2 cup water

1/2 cup white glue

2 1/2 tsp. borax

food coloring

get to work:

1. Kids: Begin by mixing the glue and 1/2 cup of water in a bowl.  Parents can help them drop a few drops of food coloring into the water/glue mixture. Set aside. 

2. Parents: In a separate bowl or measuring cup heat 1 cup of water and slowly mix in the borax. (You might find you want to add a little more borax, you'll add it little by little until it no longer dissolves in the water). 

3. Pour the borax mixture into the bowl with the glue mixture and stir. Part of the mixture will be lumpy and start to congeal, the other part will just be excess water. 

4. Take out the congealed glob and squeeze out any excess water. 

5. Place the newly made gak onto a tray or pie pan and begin to play. 

*You can store this in a plastic bag for a few weeks.