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"Having a Ball with Chemistry": More Things to Try

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Thomas S. Kuntzleman , David Sellers and Rachel Hoffmeyer

Department of Chemistry, Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, MI 49283

J. Chem. Educ., 2008, 85 (11), p 1478

DOI: 10.1021/ed085p1478

Publication Date (Web): November 1, 2008

Abstract

A short outreach activity is described in which students test the rebound properties of superballs, racquetballs, "happy" balls and "sad balls" at many temperatures. After conducting the experiment, students use the test results to estimate the glass transition temperature of the elastic polymer that comprises each ball. The activity is used to segue into the classic demonstration of dipping a racquetball in liquid nitrogen and watching it shatter when thrown against a hard surface. In addition, students are encouraged to relate the results of the experiment to the importance of warming up muscles before exercise.

Keywords (Audience):

Elementary / Middle School Science

Keywords (Domain):

Demonstrations

Keywords (Feature):

Classroom Activity Connections

Keywords (Subject):

Physical Properties

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This article has been cited by 1 ACS Journal articles (1 most recent appear below).

Adventures in Coaching Young Chemists
Thomas S. Kuntzleman and Bruce W. Baldwin
Journal of Chemical Education2011 88 (7), 863-867
- Adventures in Coaching Young Chemists
  Thomas S. Kuntzleman and Bruce W. Baldwin
  Journal of Chemical Education2011 88 (7), 863-867
  We believe that students should have opportunities—early and often—to learn about science and math activities in fun and recreational ways. As a result, we try to provide many science enrichment activities to the surrounding community. In doing so, we ...
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