COSI’s Flubber Fantastic

Borate solution:

2/3 cup warm water

1 ½ teaspoons powdered Borax

3 drops of food coloring

 

Mix together in a small bowl using a wooden spoon

 

Glue solution:

¾ cup warm water

1 cup white school glue

 

Mix together in a bowl using a metal spoon

 

Pour the borate solution into the bowl with the glue solution.  Watch what happens.  Use your hands or a spoon to gently lift and turn the mixture until about one tablespoon of liquid is left.  Flubber will be sticky for a moment or two.  After the excess liquid has dripped off, Flubber is ready.  Use a flat, smooth surface when playing with Flubber.  Store in an airtight container.  Flubber lasts for about three weeks.  Remember to wash your hands after making and playing with Flubber.

 

Watch closely.  How does Flubber move?  How “thin” can you make Flubber?  What do you think would happen if we left Flubber on the table for three minutes?  How does Flubber compare to Playdoh?

 

NON-EDIBLE SUBSTANCE.  ADULT SUPERVISION REQUIRED.

 

Flubber is a polymer.  Polymers are substances with the properties of both liquids and solids.  The hardness and the flexibility of the polymer depend on the number of chemical bonds which occur in the substance.  For instance, the same kind of plastic could be used to make a hard, inflexible mixing bowl or a soft, bendable drinking straw.  It all depends on the number of chemical bonds in Flubber.  Try making Oobleo and Glarch – they are polymers, too.  Compare the three polymers.  In what ways are they different?

                                     

2 cups flour                                 2 cups cold water

1 cup salt                                    2 TBSP oil

4 tsp. cream of tarter                    food coloring

 

Mix dry ingredients.  Add oil and color to water.  Shake vigorously.  Over medium heat cook and stir dry ingredients and water mixture until thick – about 4 to 5 minutes.  While still warm, shape into a ball.  Allow to cool then put in a plastic container or a ziplock bag.