This past Friday 40 fourth grade students came to the museum to learn about Polymers. Polymers are a fascinating part of our world. They have interesting and unique properties that have allowed many modern-day conveniences. For example, a pair of disposable diapers uses a super-absorbent polymer in the lining. One of the many activities the students got to experience was dissecting a diaper and collecting the small amount of powder found in them. Most of the time they are able to fill up a corner of a Zip-loc bag. They then slowly add water to the bag; and, amazingly that small corner of powder is able to absorb almost an entire beaker full of water.
The fact that polymers are able to expand is what allows this. The polymer in diapers is called sodium polyacrylate. This particular polymer forms in a ball and expands as the water molecules move into it. You can try this experiment yourself with nothing more than a pair of diapers, scissors, a sandwich bag, and some water.
This was just one of many hands-on activities the students were able to do in their polymer workshop. I'll be sure and include some of the others the next time a group comes through.
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