Synthetic Materials Activity for Kids

Fake Worms DIY

Duration: 20 min
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $0 to $10

Use calcium chloride and sodium alginate to make fake worms!

Visit The Full Lesson Download Instructions as PDF

Material List

2Tablespoons calcium chloride
0.5Teaspoons of sodium alginate
1Bowl with 1 cup of water
1Plastic bottle with 1 cup of water
1Food coloring
1Stirring utensil
1Pair of safety glasses
1Pair of gloves

Instructions

1Add 2 tablespoons of calcium chloride to the bowl of water and mix it.
2Into the bottle, add a few drops of food coloring and a half teaspoon of sodium alginate.
3Cap the bottle immediately and shake it for 30 seconds. It can take some time to dissolve.
4Pour the liquid in the bottle, into the bowl (try to make one continuous stream of liquid).
5Wait 10 seconds and pull out the new substance.

How It Works

The chemical reaction between two natural resources (calcium chloride and sodium alginate) forms a synthetic material. Sodium alginate comes from algae and calcium chloride comes from rocks. The gel-like substance is formed because the sodium alginate reacts with the calcium chloride, to form calcium alginate. Fun fact: this synthetic material is used by doctors to help wounds heal faster.