The Optimization of Slime
Using their knowledge of the phases of matter, the scientific method, and polymers, student teams work as if they are chemical engineers to optimize the formula for slime. Hired by the fictional company, Slime Productions, students are challenged to modify the chemical composition of the basic formula for slime to maximize its "bounce factor."
Students optimize the slime formulaCopyright Indiana Department of Natural Resources http://www.in.gov/dnr/public/julaug07/eye.html
Similar to chemical engineers, students take raw materials and turn them into useful products. Then, working with project budget constraints, they apply their knowledge of polymers and methodically test their slime mixtures to modify their properties while minimizing waste and unnecessary expenditures.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Perform and modify experimental procedures based on qualitative data from previous experiments.
- Organize and record qualitative data.