Make an Algae String!

This activity is ideal for elementary and middle school students!

Materials:

* Mixing container

* Sodium Alginate

* Water

* Texture Ingredient (i.e. honey, corn syrup, pancake syrup, aloe vera)

* Color Ingredient (i.e. food coloring, powdered drink mix)

* Bowl

* Calcium Chloride

* Dispensing Tool (i.e. squeezable bottle, jar, cup, piping bag, syringe without a needle)

Directions: Combine a half cup of water, Color Ingredient, and 1-3 tbsp of your Texture Ingredient.

Add in 1 tsp of Sodium Alginate and mix until a thick gel begins to form.

Combine two cups of water and 2 tsp of Calcium Chloride in a separate bowl.

Transfer your algae gel into a dispensing tool of your choice and use it to add your algae gel to the calcium bath.

Let your string(s) sit in the calcium bath for a few minutes before removing.

EXTRA CHALLENGE: Try using your string to make a custom creation! The string can be knotted into a friendship bracelet or even used in knitting!

Idea by: Science Buddies