Essentially, a polymer is a chain of molecules. Most liquids are composed of small molecules that move around and bump into one another. When the liquids are by themselves, they are called monomers. However, when these molecules combine together in a chemical reaction, they form chains called polymers.*
Making GAK
What’s GAK?
Gak can slowly flow like a liquid, but it also can bounce like a solid. Materials with such behavior are called non-Newtonian fluids.
MATERIALS
Water
Glue
Borax powder
Food coloring
plastic cup
150 mL beaker
measuring cup
stirring stick
measuring spoons
PROCEDURE
1. Mixture A – Glue Solution
Add 25 mL of glue (to the 100 mL beaker)
Measure 20 mL of water (in a beaker)
Add water to glue
Add a few drops of food coloring
Stir vigorously
2. Mixture B – 25% Borax Solution
Measure 15 mL of the 25% borax solution
This is made with 60mL water for 1 Tablespoon borax power.
(Note: mix well before measuring)
3. Making the Gak
Add the 15 mL of borax solution (mixture B) to the glue solution (mixture A)
Mix well – The mixture will be slimy at first but will thicken quickly as the polymers form. Keep stirring until mixture holds together like putty.
Take out of cup & have fun.
*Source: http://scactivities.cikeys.com/glue-gak/for-teachers
The goal of the day is to immerse the girls in discussion and topics on various careers and opportunities that are available to them either through school or career paths such as internships as well as to provide them guidance and mentorship about persevering through biases and doubt of themselves to achieve their own greatness.
In short, IGED is a day that will forever be an amazing day in the eyes of these young STEAM women. We as co-chairs would like to thank the steering committee who spent countless hours over the last several months working to make this virtual IGED day a success. We also want to thank the mentors and the support staff who took time out of their day to provide each girl a direct line of communication with a scientist, technologist, engineer, artist, or mathematician. Thank you to our speakers throughout the day who provided their encouraging words. Finally, thank you to all the girls who joined us.
