Product Description
As seen on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Also known as slush powder, this powder instantly turns a liquid into a solid. Sodium polyacrylate absorbs from 500-800 times its weight in water and is actually the secret ingredient that’s used to absorb “liquid” in baby diapers! Includes a science activity guide with lots of fun polymer tricks to play on your friends! Recommended for children ages 4 and up.
What’s Included?
Water Gel Jar Includes
- 100 gram jar of Water Gel powder
- Activity guide
- Measuring scoop
Water Gel (1 Pound) Bag
- 454 grams (1 Pound) of Water Gel powder
- Activity guide
- Measuring scoop
How Does It Work?
When you add water to this superabsorbent polymer, it instantly turns from a liquid to a slushy solid.
What Does It Teach?
Water Gel is a superabsorbent polymer that’s used as a super-effective way to hold liquid in baby diapers. Superabsorbent polymers in their crystalline form, are used to help farmers retain water in their soil in times of drought.
Science Fair Connection
While playing a prank on your friend is fun, this activity isn’t a science fair project, yet. You can make it one simply by identifying a variable (something that might change the outcome) in the experiment, then testing that variable, and correctly reporting the results. Think about some variables like these that you might test:
- Try altering the type of liquid you use. Make sure you keep all other variables the same, including the quantity of water gel. Then compare the gel forms that are created. Are they the same? Different?
- Try using different temperatures of water. Time the reactions or compare the gel forms that are created.
These are just a couple of ideas, but you aren’t limited to them! Come up with different ideas of variables to test and give them a try. Remember, you can only change one variable at a time for each test. For example, if you are testing different water temperatures, make sure that all other factors in the test remain the same!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many portions will this make?
Each portion is one blue scoop, which measures to about 3 grams. There are about 33 portions in the jar.
Can I reuse it?
Yes, after you are done with your experiments, spread the polymer into a thin sheet to let the water evaporate. In about 2 weeks the powder will be back to its original powder form.
Is it like Insta-Snow?
The polymers are very similar, but the molecules are linked slightly differently, which is why they react differently with water.
What activities can I do with this?
Water gel is a perfect way to demonstrate how polymers work. The gel can help illustrate how farmers can save their crops in times of drought and what kind of material is in a baby diaper!
Safety Information
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Toll Free:Â 800-223-9080
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Steve Spangler Science
Denver Office
7901 Southpark Plaza, Suite 106
Littleton, CO 80120
Jelly Marbles – Clear Spheres Kit
Question
H.P.Howard –
How do yhey infuse a diaper with the gel?
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lisabrooks –
The powder is mixed into the cotton before it is sewn into the diaper. If you cut open the diaper and place the cotton in a zipper-lock bag and give it a really good shake, you will shake the powder loose. It’s interesting to see how much (or how little, really) is included in a diaper.
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April Oaks –
I love using this in front of a group to tease them. Watch Steve’s videos about using this as a magic trick. I would give it a 5 star if the price was lower. Lots of fun!
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