13 Demonstration: Disappearing Water

Supplies:

Cup that is not clear

A couple diapers – see Prep 

1/4 cup water

Question: What do you think will happen when I pour water in this cup then turn if over (my head if you are brave)?

Prep: Between the leg holes of the diaper, cut open the sides and extract the fluff and power into a bag. This contains the water absorbent polymer.

Directions: Add power to cup. Add water. Invert cup. The water should form a polymer with the powder and stay in the cup.

Theory: Inside diapers is a powder called sodium polyacrylate that forms a gel and absorbs a large amount of water.

Grades: 1st- 4th

Time: 5 minutes

Clean-Up: Diaper polymer can be put in garbage

Notes and Hints: Practice ahead of time. Turn it upside down over table, but over your own head is more fun. You may also order sodium polyacrylate instead of sourcing it from a diaper.

Image Credit: https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/adventures-in-chemistry/experiments/diapers.html