Gak 101

Children make predictions as they explore and experience with materials:"It will float if you put it in water." "Don't bring the snow inside. It will melt." "It's raining and the ground will be wet. We won't be able to go outside." The accuracy of their predictions are determined by their past experiences and how accurately they interpret their environment.

Today several children had the opportunity to mix and measure ingredients together to make gak. We encouraged the children to make predictions by asking thought provoking questions such as:

• Is the glue,water or borax sticky?
• Which ingredients are wet/dry?
• If we mix the glue and water together will the glue still be sticky?
• If we pour the pink food coloring in the white glue... will the glue change color?
• What is borax?

Some of the children did not realize that when we mix water and glue together it is still quite sticky!The children were surprised when we added the borax, the gak mixture was less sticky. The children that are experienced gak makers new what to expect from the start! Whether you are "gak pro" or a "gak beginner" it is a fun and positive experience for all! We encourage you to make gak at home with whole family!

Here's the recipe plus the scientific explanation of how it works.