So, we began separating them by color. Totally NOT necessary although the instructions made you think it was. And BTW - these stupid kits came with a test tube. I was all excited thinking we'd be using them. Um yeah. NO! There is no actual purpose behind the test tubes at all....just fancy packaging! Ugh! Strike 1!
However, the kids did enjoy watching these tiny little beads become these big round slimy bouncy balls. We were able to discuss how and why they grew and why the clear ones were invisible in water (because the light refraction in the beads matches the light refraction of water).
The tiny beads after a few minutes in room temp water
The same tiny beads in a couple hours!
It was neat, but short lived. Next year, I think I will save my money. :) And I did find a use for the test tubes. The boys got to fill up their test tubes with their cross-linked polyacrylamide polymer gel beads in any pattern they wanted. They may be gone tomorrow if they make a mess (because this was quite the un-holy mess to begin with), but for now, they enjoy their test tube of polymer beads.
I just have to giggle. My boys (especially Spencer) look so stinking happy with their test tubes. Like they had just conquered the world by learning about polymers! I can't express how much I adore my kids! I LOVE THEM! Perfect kids for me!
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