Launchpad: Materials

This box links to the Materials area of the gallery and contains several activities closely related to the gallery exhibits - e.g., Watching Water Freeze, Bubble Pools, Sticky Liquids and Hydrogen Rocket. It also contains other examples of unusual materials used in cutting edge science and technology - and in many smart and advanced products.

Contents include:
• smart liquid powder • smart putty
• soap solution • plastic tweezers
• polarising film • petri dish
• bubble wand • glycerine
• hydrogel • battery box
• memory spring

This box gives you the opportunity to experiment with a number of fascinating materials and exercises including:

Water Freezing
  - See water freezing using a special filter.

Smart Liquid
  - Make a liquid that goes solid when you stir it.

Smart Putty
  - Use sticky putty that bounces like a ball.

Hydrogel
  - Experiment with a powder that 'drinks' water.

Hydrogen Rocket
  - Make hydrogen gas using electricity.

Making Bubbles
  - Create long-life bubbles with a special mixture.

Memory Metal
  - Try out a spring that 'remembers' when it should open and close.