This #Halloween, we’ve put together these practicals to teach your pupils science... and scare them silly!
Create spooky slime that glows under ultraviolet (black) light and investigate it’s polymer structure and fluorescence.
Safety: Eye protection and gloves must be worn. A thorough risk assessment should be completed by teacher or technician, before beginning this practical.
Equipment (per group):
Put on safety glasses and gloves.
Measure out 100ml of PVA glue into beaker
Weigh out 5g bicarbonate soda, then mix into the PVA glue using a stirring rod
Weigh out 1-2g fluorescent pigment (or tonic water), then add to the beaker containing the PVA and bicarbonate soda. Mix until all the coloured powder is thoroughly dispersed
Measure out 40ml borate-free solution, using a plastic measuring cylinder
Start transferring the borate-free solution into the beaker containing the PVA glue mixture. Use a Pasteur pipette to add a few drops at a time. Mix before adding more borate solution and stop when your slime has begun to thicker.
Remove the slim from the beaker and knead on the desk until smooth.
Turn off lights, shine the UV light on the slime, and observe the glow.
- Is the slime a solid, liquid, or something else? Use its properties to justify your answer.
- Why does the slime glow under UV light?
- How does the activator change the PVA glue into a stretchy, rubbery slime?
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