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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!

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.

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