Wild Science: Hyperlauncher Rocket Ball Factory

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As mentioned in previous posts, my 9 year old son Ryan absolutely loves anything to do with magic or science. He constantly asks for different science kits and always wants to experiment with something or other. He was therefore obviously over the moon when the kind people at Cr8tive kidz asked if he would like to review this latest kit from makers interplay.
The Hyperlauncher rocket ball kit combines both physics and chemistry into a fun experiment which has a fair few educational benefits to it.
The experiments have basis around the Isaac Newtons falling apple theorem combined with the rules of motion (same rules which got us into space) Hyperlauncher uses the same rules as counter initiative effects leaving us to wonder how and why.

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In the box are the moulds, rocket ball sticks, safety goggles and Coloured Polymer.
The Polymer is the fun chemistry part to this kit.

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Poly Vinyl Alcohol is a polymer, and polymer means ‘ a lot of long molecules that are linked.The dry Polymer crystals are hard but once they absorb water this helps the molecules separate slightly and wrap around each other, therefore creating a ball of crystals that stick together and bounce.
The balls are fairly easy to create tho our first attempt didn’t turn out great but a little practice makes perfect and after all that’s what science is all about. In order to create the balls we first put crystals into the moulds. The crystal colours can be mixed together too to create different patterns or just one colour can be used. The moulds are then submerged in water for a few minutes so that the above chemistry can occur.

20130925-203307.jpg this can go wrong for a number of reasons such as not enough crystals or time in water but there are plenty of crystals supplied to try again. In total you make 4 balls of varying sizes

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Once the balls were dried, formed and correctly made and placed on the rod it was time for the physics side and the experiment. This is all about moving energy. When dropped the big ball immediately hits the second ball and the second hits the third transferring the energy all the way up to the smallest ball which then shoots off further than it was dropped as it has nothing to transfer the built up energy too. It’s a very fun experiment to try and watch, so much fun for my kids.
The crystals also contain a fluorescent pigment which makes the balls glow in dark when they absorb light energy and this is especially handy for when the small ball shoots off and becomes lost under the sofa etc.
The balls once created can be used over again. I’m guessing they will eventually lose their bounce and new ones will need creating and their are obviously certain ways to store or not store them. Their are also other experiments contained in the enclosed instructions which we can do with the balls.
The kit is aimed at 8-12 years and obviously requires adult supervision when using but is so much fun especially if you have a young Einstein like I do.
There are several other kits in the Wild Science range. Aimed at both boys and girls of varying ages. Other kits include bath bomb making. Perfume making and weird slime to name just a few. A great unique gift which will bring hours of fun.

1 Comment

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