4-H Hydrogel Experiment Travels Cross-Country

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While I’ve been winding down from my media tour as the 4-H National Experiment Spokesperson, kids across the country have been exploring the powerful water-absorbing qualities of these amazing hydrogels.  From Georgia to Hawaii, I’ve read articles about kids tearing open those baby diapers, shaking out the polymers and digging their hands into science.  4-H coordinators across the country helped get their students excited about science by performing the National Experiment using Water Gel and Water Jelly Crystals.  I especially liked reading about the New Jersey student who was observing the “giggly” Water Jelly Crystals… through this national focus on science, kids are learning valuable lessons in comparing, classifying, wondering, observing… and, in the process, building strong foundations for science education.

Scientists Use Hydrogel to “Grow” Synthetic Tree

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After announcing that I am honored to act as the National Spokesperson for 4-H’s National Youth Science Day, I have been keeping up with lots of news about the use of Hydrogels in modern science.  Here at Steve Spangler Science, we have been playing with these superabsobent polymers for years and are excited to introduce them to a new group of young scientists.  I came across an article today about a scientist at Cornell University who is using one form of Hydrogels to “grow” a synthetic tree. Hydrogels are found in many different varieties, our Water Gel and Water Jelly Crystals are just one type.  Abraham Stroock and student Tobias Wheeler, created a simulated tree that sits in Hydrogel and is really just two circles, side-by-side, with evenly spaced microfluidic channels that represent a tree’s vascular system.  The two scientists are working on research that supports the theory that transpiration in trees and plants is a physical process that doesn’t require any biological energy.  Scientists also believe that this study could help find ways for better heat transfer in cars and buildings, better …

Putting Water Jelly Crytals to the Test

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Over the years we’ve sold tons… literally… of Water Jelly Crystals to customers around the world eager to take advantage of the crystals’ water-saving properties in their gardens.  So, it only made sense that when we took on our own landscaping project that we put these superabsorbing polymers to the test.

When the big day came, you could here me reminding our landscaper… maybe more than once… to get a good handful of hydrated crystals in the holes before adding the plants.  Maybe he thought we were a little crazy, but our plants look beautiful and we suspect they will use a lot less water than normal, which is especially important in the arid climate here in Colorado.  Thanks to a lot of hard work, and a total of six GALLONS (nearly 23 liters) of Water Jelly Crystals, the Spangler Science offices are looking better than ever.

Upside-Down Tomatoes a Big Hit in Indiana

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We love it when people read our blog, try the cool and funky things we suggest, have tons of fun doing it, and SUCCEED! Mamacita of Scheiss Weekly tried our Upside-Down Tomatoes and so far, it’s been a BIG HIT out there in southern Indiana. We might suggest that she find a better place to put that sharp box cutter, though. Watch your fingers, Mamacita!

Growing Upside Down Tomatoes

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Want to plant some tomatoes, upside down? It’s easy using our Water Jelly Crystals - a special superabsorbent polymer that absorbs about 150 times its weight in water and releases it to the plant. Over the years, we’ve used Water Jelly Crystals for literally dozens of cool science projects, but this is the first time we’ve seen someone use them for upside down tomatoes.

1. Get a big bucket with a strong, securely-attached handle, a big bag of potting soil, some Water Jelly Crystals, and a healthy tomato plant.
2. Cut a 2-inch hole in the bottom of the bucket. Then flip the bucket over and fill it half-way with soil. Add a layer of water-soaked Water Jelly Crystals, and fill it the rest of the way with soil. Put a lid on the bucket, and flip it over. Plant the tomato through the hole in the bucket’s bottom, and water thoroughly. Let the plant’s roots get established before you turn the bucket upside down and hang it - this takes about a week.
3. Hang the bucket, with the tomato plant on 

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