Key Terms Defined
- Polymer
- Tiny molecules strung together in long, repeating chains
- Molecule
- The smallest part of a substance, it is made up of one or more atoms
White glue is loaded with long chain molecules that are called polymers. Borax links those polymers together into a big network; this is called cross-linking. The result is even larger polymers that create a thickened slime. The primary polymer in white school glue is called polyvinyl acetate.
Try this:
How does the texture of the slime change when you add less borax? More borax? Less glue? More water?
- Museum Hours
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- Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Museum Location
- Getting Here
More Activities
- Online Activity
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Pop Rockets
Blast off! Launch your own rocket with just a few simple items.
- Online Activity
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Three Colors of Light
See what happens when you mix together the three primary colors of light.
More Exhibits
- Exhibit
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Science Storms
Feel the physics and consider the chemistry of natural phenomena like tornados and avalanches.