Procedures

INSTA-WORMS

~Introduction

-"How does it work?"

Insta-Worms™ work very well in demonstrating the science of polymers as they are primarily made out of a liquid called sodium alginate. Sodium Alginate, (a.k.a. Worm Goo by the scientists at Steve and Spangler Science), is a long chain of large molecules, which are polymers taken from seaweed, it is also commonly used as a thickener in some foods such as ice cream and even for dental impression materials. During the reaction the Sodium Alginate changes from a liquid to a solid upon contact with the Worm Activator Solution that contains calcium enabling the linkage of the long polymer chains-scientifically speaking this is an act of "cross-linking". This results in a polymer strand that is insoluble in calcium chloride solution.

~Materials

• • Blue Worm Goo*

  • Worm Activator Powder*

  • Warm water

  • Food coloring (if creating Color-Changing Worms)

  • Measuring cup

  • Bowl

  • A spoon or glass stirring rod

  • Paper towels

*Can be bought in a kit of the Steve Spangler Science website*

~Procedures

Start by making the Worm Activator solution:

• 1. Measure 1 cup of warm water and place into the bowl. Pour all of the Worm Activator Powder into the water and stir with a spoon or stirring rod until most of the powder dissolves.

  2. Take off the cap to the Worm Goo Solution and remove the seal. Replace the cap once you are ready to start making the worm.

  3. Squirt a small stream of the Worm Goo into the Activator solution. The Worm Goo immediately turns into a long, stringy worm.

  4. Carefully pull the worm out of the Activator solution to observe your creation, do not be alarmed if the worm breaks, it can easily be sealed up by dipping the the broken end back into the Activator solution.

*Worms can be left longer in the Activator solution to gain a harder texture if desired. *

~Scientific Principles Behind the Experiment

During the process of "cross-linking" between the sodium alginate and the calcium chloride solution(Worm activator) the Ca++ ions replace the NA+ ions and serve as the agent to combine the two alginate chains together; this results in a cross-linked polymer which is insoluble in calcium chloride solution creating a polymer strand.

~Safety Regulations

You can pour the Worm Activator solution into a container for further use or if not then it can be safely poured down the drain while the actual worms should be thrown away in the trash.

Insta-Worms have other uses...

Worms can be used for a variety of different things; Color-Changing Worms can be made by adding yellow food coloring to the Activator, changing the color of the worms to green. You can create Worm Eggs by squeezing a single drop of Worm Goo into the Activator Solution. Hard Worms can be created, as well as Dehydrated Worms which are a result of their being left alone for a period of several days allowing the water contained inside to evaporate.

~Have fun creating and playing with your wriggly, squriming Insta-Worms!!!~

Click here to download the experiment brochure/pamphlet that I created!

Worm Goo (sodium alginate)

Worm Activator Powder (calcium chloride; calcium + ions)

Pouring the Worm Goo Solution

The sodium alginate (Worm Goo) reacts with the calcium chloride (Worm Activator Powder) to form the Insta-Worms.

Insta-Worms (polymer strands)

Insta-Worms (polymer strands)