Slime Away: Cross-Linking Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) with Sodium Borate

The Materials Science and Technology Teacher's Workshop (MAST) provides this lesson plan for students learning about polymers. The module will "explore the change in physical properties of a polymer as a result of cross-linking. The result of adding more cross-linking agents to a polymer is considered and another model of cross-linking is viewed." A step by step laboratory procedure is provided. Discussion questions, teacher notes and a link to a video clip are also included.