Make your own Flubber

Flubber is similar to slime in many ways, sort of just a variation on the recipe. The slight change in the amounts of water, borax and glue makes a big difference in the final product. Try for yourself and check this stuff out.

What you need:

• Warm water
• 3 tsp. Borax (non-toxic/available by laundry detergents)
• 2 cups of white glue
• Food coloring

What to do:

1. In a large container, (such as a pail), combine 1.5 cups warm water, 2 cups white glue and food coloring.
2. In a second, smaller container, combine 11/3 cups warm water with 3 tsp. Borax.
3. Mix ingredients in each container thoroughly.
4. Pour contents of small container into the large container.
5. Gently lift and turn the mixture until approximately a tablespoon of liquid is left. Flubber will be sticky at first. Let excess liquid drip off. Flubber will then be ready!

Stretch it…Bounce it…Roll it!
How many ways can you explore this substance?

What’s the Science?
Flubber… it’s not just a Disney movie. Flubber is a polymer. The word polymer comes from the Greek language from poly “many” and meros “parts”. Polymers are large molecules consisting of repeating identical structural units connected by covalent chemical bonds. Polymers can be naturally occurring or manmade. Manmade polymers are materials like nylon, polyester, and polystyrene. Examples of naturally occurring polymers are proteins in our body like tubulin and actin. These proteins make up microtubules and microfilaments that serve as structural components within our cells.

Storage and Safety Guidelines:
Store Flubber in an airtight container for about 3 weeks of use. Flubber is non-edible. When you are through with it, discard in a trash container. Do not wash down the drain.