Immerse students in a sticky real-world problem for which they will invent an original solution using everyday household items.

GUIDING QUESTION
• What causes adhesives to be sticky?

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to:
• observe and record the properties observed when two substances are mixed together.
• measure and record capacity using appropriate science tools and measurement units.
• work in teams to develop a solution to a technology problem.

OVERVIEW
Adhesives are all around us. They cause bandages to stick to our skin, enable us to wrap gifts,
and help us post reminder notes. Adhesives vary in stickiness depending on the purpose of
their use. In this lesson, students encounter a real-world problem that requires an inventive
solution. When an art teacher runs out of glue for her classes, students work together as
engineering teams to create a formula for homemade glue. Then students test their glue
concoctions using various materials (e.g. paper, cardboard)

Includes follow-up family activity.

Grades K – 2