Science Experiment: Polymers - Poke Holes in a Ziploc

07/12/2020 | Science Experiments

A polymer is a chemical compound. Polymers are made up of long chains of molecules that are flexible. Plastic is a type of polymer. Plastics are bendy and stretchy because of their flexible molecule chains.

In this experiment we will observe how polymers behave by observing a ziploc bag, which is a plastic and a polymer.

What You Need:

Ziploc Bag
Water
Several Sharpened Pencils

Fill the ziploc bag half full of water. Zip it closed. Hold a pencil in one hand while you use the other hand to poke the pencil all the way through the ziploc bag - have the pencil go in one side and come all the way out the other side. Repeat with more pencils. Does any water spill out? Do you know why? No water spills out of the holes because ziploc bags are made of a polymer.

When you poke the sharp pencil into the plastic the pencil point slides in between the chain of molecules that make up the polymer. The molecule chains "hug" the pencil, making a seal around the pencil that won't let the water out. What happens when you pull the pencils out?

Once you figure out how to do this one, try to get someone to stand still while you are holding the bag over their head. Poke the pencils through the bag to get them to trust your science...then pull the pencils out and see what happens! We tried it over the dog's head. She liked it when the pencils got pulled out - a dog drinking fountain!

Websites, Printables & Activities:

Steve Spangler Science: Skewer Through a Balloon
Steve Spangler Science: The Leakproof Bag
Kitchen Science Balloon Kebab
Science News for Students: What Are Polymers?
Crash Course Chemistry #45: Polymers
Video: PBS Full STEAM Ahead - Ziploc Bag Polymer

You can also ask a math and science expert for homework help by calling the Ask Rose Homework Hotline. They provide FREE math and science homework help to Indiana students in grades 6-12.

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10 Satisfying DIY Recipe Books to Experience and Explain Polymers and the Science of Slime

Between them, these ten books provide 100+ different ways to explore slime, science that is stretchy, squishie and satisfying to mix up and ooze through your fingers! You experiment, these books will help you explain why slime behaves the way it does. Slime is fun. It's also the science of polymers and chemistry. #indyplkids IndyPL_CarrieW

Let's Make Slime

Chanez, Katie

This one simply explains the science behind slime and gives you directions to make their own from ingredients you have at home.

Ultimate Slime

100 New Recipes & Projects for Oddly Satisfying, Borax-free Slime

Jagan, Alyssa

I don't know how there can be...but 100 recipes for slime! Who wouldn't want to know what advanced slime recipes are? Color-Changing Slime? Fake fake snow? Yes, please!

Secrets of Slime Recipe Book

30 Projects for Stretchable, Squishy, Sensory Fun!

Houston, Jackie

DIY recipes to level up your slime - edible...stretchy...maybe you can make your own version that is beautiful, stretchy AND tastes good!

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