Description:

In this experiment, we will be creating worm-like structures using polymer-science. By reacting sodium alginate with calcium chloride, we can turn a liquid solution into a jelly-like solid.

Materials:

• Sodium Alginate
  

• Food Coloring
  

• Calcium Chloride
  

• A Squirt Bottle
  

• Bowl
  

Instructions:

1. Mix 100ml of water with 2g of sodium alginate and add food coloring

2. Once dissolved, transfer into squirt bottle

3. Fill a medium sized bowl with water and add half a tbsp of calcium chloride. Stir until dissolved completely.

4. Squirt the sodium alginate solution directly into the bowl and watch as worms form!

Explanation, Questions, and Review:

The sodium alginate in the squirt bottle is made of short polymer molecules that can easily slide around each other inside the water. The calcium ions in the bowl cross‐link these short polymers together into longer strands turning the stream of liquid from the squirt bottle into a thick gel. Food grade sodium alginate and calcium chloride can be used to make edible spheres.