Polymers - Making Fluorescent Worms Chemistry Demonstration -IS7045

Allow students to learn about polymers and cross-linking using this fun and colorful activity. Students add a solution of sodium alginate to three calcium chloride solutions, each containing a different fluorescent dye. After a few minutes the liquid sodium alginate solution forms into gel-like polymer “worms”. Upon completion of the activity, the worms may be placed under a black light and the students will observe their worms glow red, blue, and green.