Styrofoam Experiment - Make Styrofoam Polymers Activity, Fun Science for Kids

Science Kids - Fun Science & Technology for Kids!

$Math for Kids$

Fun Chemistry Lesson Plans and Activities for Kids

Check out our range of fun chemistry lesson plans that feature interesting chemistry facts and cool activities for kids.

Styrofoam Experiment Experiment with Styrofoam

Styrofoam is a common example of a polymer. Let’s experiment with it by taking out some of the cross links and turning the styrofoam back into an original polymer. Kids will have fun and learn important science concepts along the way.

Styrofoam Activity :

Take a plate and add around 100ml of nail polish remover (nail polish remover has a very strong chemical smell so try to avoid smelling it as it may give you a headache).
Take a long piece of styrofoam and put one end in the plate of nail polish remover. Watch what happens.
Tip out any excess nail polish remover that is left remaining.
Put on a pair of gloves and investigate the properties of the polymer left in the plate. What has changed?
If you have a microscope you might want to see how a close up of the polymer looks. Compare it with a sample of the regular styrofoam you started with, what differences can you see?
What types of things do you think could be made with the polymer you created in this experiment?
Clean up any mess you made and make sure to wash your hands after finishing this activity.

More on Polymers:

If you want to know more about polymers then check out our polymer information and activities page.