Outreach Kits

MONET's Research-Aligned Outreach Kits: Bringing Polymer Science to Life

Three Kits, Three Age Groups, One Mission

MONET has developed three evidence-based outreach kits that translate cutting-edge mechanophore research into accessible, hands-on learning experiences. Each kit is designed for a specific age group and has been rigorously tested and refined based on comprehensive feedback from trainees, participants, and facilitators.

Chemistry of Slime (Ages 5-8)

Overview

Developed in partnership with the American Chemical Society Kids Zone, this kit introduces young learners to non-Newtonian fluids through engaging polymer chemistry.

Impact at ACS Kids Zone San Diego 2025

90 participants engaged across diverse age groups
58.9% correctly identified slime as both solid and liquid
50.9% demonstrated a significant conceptual shift from sensory observations ("you can hold slime") to chemical mechanism reasoning ("break the bonds of the polymer")

Key Learning Outcomes

Participants progress from experiential descriptions to molecular-level understanding:

Before: "I think that slime is a solid because it is not a liquid like water or milk. You can't hold a liquid like you would to a solid, yet you can hold slime..."

After: "I think that to make slime flow more easily, you would have to break the bonds of the polymer. When they break, the polymer doesn't have to hold on to other pieces..."

External Validation

ACS Program Manager Patricia M. Galvan praised MONET's approach:

"I am impressed with the way you incorporated the evaluation into the activity to provide evidence of kids' ideas changing as a result of doing the activity... There were 280 participants at the March Kids Zone in NOLA."

Kit Components

Complete facilitator guide with pedagogical insights
Pre-post assessment materials measuring conceptual depth
Branded materials, including stickers and storage boxes
All necessary chemistry supplies with safety protocols
Access to digital resources and case study

Request the Slime Kit

Materials Science of Soccer (Ages 9-12)

Overview

This kit explores the materials inside soccer balls through authentic scientific methods, including tensile testing and wettability testing.

Research Foundation

The kit builds on work that resulted in:

ACS conference presentation
Peer-reviewed publication in Journal of Chemical Education (2025, 102(4), 1465-1475)
Teaching materials for soccer-themed science camp in Brazil

Field-Tested Impact

100% enjoyment reported by 13 fourth-grade participants at Barack and Michelle Obama Academy Media Center
Successfully piloted at Cambridge Science Festival with 2.0 revisions
Demonstrated learning gains in materials science concepts

Version 2.0 Improvements

The Materials Science of Soccer Festival Edition 2.0 systematically addressed comprehensive stakeholder feedback:

Technical Issues Eliminated

Removed protractor-based measurements that caused inconsistencies
Replaced with simple observation-based wettability testing (water beads up vs. spreads out)
Standardized 3-ball preparation protocol for consistency

Instructional Clarity Enhanced

Specific participant directions: "Take the exterior layer piece and gently stretch it."
Clear questioning sequence with exact wording provided
Step-by-step water testing protocol with timing guidance
Opening hook: "Welcome to Materials Science of Soccer! You're about to become materials scientists!"

Real-World Connections Built In

Rain game scenario: "If you're playing soccer in the rain..."
Career connections: "Materials scientists study how different materials behave."
Transfer questions: "Name another object that uses similar materials."

Kit Components

Three demonstration soccer balls (intact, cut open, deconstructed)
Materials testing supplies (water, pipettes, spill trays)
Complete facilitator guide with framework integration
Pre-post assessment materials with a 5-level progression rubric
Professional development support for facilitators
Digital access to complete materials via Canva

Request the Soccer Kit

Mechanophores in Action (Ages 13+)

Overview

This innovative kit connects music to molecular structure through the Multiverse app, allowing participants to explore how weak molecular crosslinkers can create stronger polymer networks—a counterintuitive concept drawn directly from university research.

Pilot Success at Cambridge Science Festival 2025

250+ participants engaged in musical polymer activity
10-15 minutes per participant group for deep engagement
Rigorous assessment using a pre-post evaluation framework
Participant feedback: "I never thought science could be creative like this."

Research Connection

The activity directly references Wang et al. Science publication findings demonstrating how strategic weaknesses in materials enhance overall strength—principles with applications ranging from car bumpers to biomedical implants.

Innovative Multi-Modal Approach

Digital Phase:

QR code access to the Multiverse app
Participants "play" chemical structures as music
Build crosslinker molecules and explore stability through sound

Physical Phase:

Hands-on polymer network construction using beads, fishing line, and Velcro
Tensile testing with calibrated spring scales (0-5N for velcro, 0-20N for network)
Data collection and pattern recognition
Real-time hypothesis testing