Summer Camp-Flubber

Bringing Flubber To Life

 

This week at Summer Camp it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get ready to make FLUBBER!!! Just the name conjures up visions of fun. Whether you are old enough to remember to the original 1963 “Son of Flubber” movie with Fred MacMurray or the newer version with Robin Williams, you automatically know that when Flubber is involved, hijinks will ensue.  No need for your own chemical laboratory for our Flubber, like most of our Summer Camp Activities, our Flubber can be created for little or no expensive just by using items you already have on hand at home.  Let’s get started:

Materials:

• 8 oz. bottle Elmer's Glue-Clear or White
• Borax (powered laundry soap that can be found at any grocery store)
• Large plastic mixing bowl
• Spoons
• Measuring Cup
• Food Coloring or Glow in the Dark Paint
• Water
• Ziplock bags to store the Flubber

Directions:

Note:  The measurements to not need to be exact but it's a good idea to follow the proportions suggested here for the first batch and then you can change the quantities of each of the ingredients depending on the results you are aiming for.

1.  For this version of Flubber, empty an 8 ounce bottle of glue into a mixing bowl.  If you can't find an 8 ounce bottle two 4 ounce bottles will also work. Fill the empty glue bottle with warm water and shake.

2.  Pout the glue/water mixture into the mixing bowl and stir well with your mixing spoon.

3.  Add a few drops of food coloring or Glow in the Dark Paint to the mixture and stir. You can also use the contents of a Glow Stick to achieve the same results.

4.  Measure 1/2 cup of warm water into a plastic cup and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of Borax to the water. Stir the Borax solution until most of the Borax has dissolved. The Borax solution is the secret linking agent that causes the Elmer's Glue molecules to turn to Flubber.

5.  While stirring the glue and water in the mixing bowl, slowly mix in a little of the Borax solution. You should immediately feel the strands of the molecules starting to connect. At that point, it's time to have some fun.  Leave the spoon behind and use your hands to continue the process. Keep mixing and combining in the remaining Borax solution until you have the perfect Flubber consistency.

6.  For extra magical Flubber, add in some glitter or sequins.

7.  When you're finished playing with the Flubber, seal it up tightly in a Ziplock bag and save for later.

Questions to Ask:

Is it a solid? Is it a liquid?  What exactly is this slimy, stringy, rubbery stuff?  This particular variation of Flubber will probably remind you a similar substances sold in many toy stores. This is a popular version of how to make Flubber among teachers because it is easy to make and serves as a great visual tool to use when introducing students of all ages to the properties of  polymers.  Plus did I mention that it's fun and we all know the child who has fun learning will be a success. Now the only question left is "What are you waiting for?"

Missed any of the Summer Camp Activities or want to relive the fun? Just click the links

Summer Camp Grows Seeds

Summer Camp Makes Ice Cream

Summer Camp Lowe's Build and Grow Field Trip

Summer Camp Tie Dye Mickey Head Tee Shirts

Gayle is a Disney Gal that loves churros for breakfast, still gets giddy with delight at the first sight of the “Disneyland next exit sign”, loves the overwhelming emotions and memories that come with each and every return to the Happiest Place on Earth and dreams of one day being the Captain of the Jungle Boat. To learn more about Gayle, click here