We bought ours at Parklea Markets and they are 100% non toxic which is very important when using with children as i hear some brands can be dangerous. Anyone searching for waterbeads, my supplier is happy to send worldwide just email him erkan_syd@hotmail.com and he will send you 3 packets for $12 or 6 packets for $20. Originally they are used as decoration to add to your vases so they are very squishy and they make great sensory additions to a tub.
To make water beads you simply add the beads to 2 ltrs of water and wait...
The beads absorb the water and grow bigger, this is after 4 hours
This is after 8 hours, ready to drain and explore!
They feel smooth and jelly like but will bounce as high as a bouncy ball so beware!
Tara did some transferring practice with her tongs
Her chopsticks proved a little more challenging
But the spoon was perfect! For the cost of waterbeads (we paid $4 a pack and they last for 4 years), They are a great addition to any learning area being non toxic and will grab any childs attention.We look forward to working with them later with more numeracy work.
I have to find me some of these!!
ReplyDeletei've never heard of these before, but i love this idea!!
ReplyDeleteandie @ crayonfreckles
they look awesome! what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteDeb, you will love them. Google waterbeads and im sure you can buy them online just confirm the brand you buy is non toxic.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of water beads growing and then using the zoo sticks. Good job!
ReplyDeleteHey check out my FB page for more ideas at the Recycling Occupational Therapist :-)
They are called water gel crystal polymers and they are available at www.SteveSpangler.com. He's even got Giant Orbs which are super cool too. You could even find them at OSH orchard Supply and Hardware, sold as decor' for glass flower vase.
ReplyDeleteOne of the neat things about these gels is that if you grow the clear ones and keep them in bowl of water, you won't even know they are in the bowl of water. So it's quite a surprise when you have someone ;lace their hands in it for the first time. They begin as tiny as small seed beads and after adding water, they grow to the size of a marble (but the giant Orbs grow several times larger than that).
Very important though: Should not be dumped in a sink as these could clog the pipes. Excellent source for plants needing some extra moisture, especially plants struggling in dry regions. I Love these crystal gels and I know you will too. Enjoy!!
This is great. The small ones and the giant orbs, can't wait to try!! Thanks for the idea. :)
ReplyDeleteThese look so cool! I've never used them before, but will keep them in mind. There are so many things you can do with these. I've linked up to your post here: http://play2grow.blogspot.com/2011/09/weekly-favorites-for-september-4-2011.html
ReplyDeleteWe have since bought more waterbeads as they are a huge hit and speaking to our wonderful supplier, he is happy to post waterbeads worldwide so if anyone is having trouble finding the genuine ones that are 100% non toxic just email erkan_syd@hotmail.com and he can post you out your choice of colour, all the best!
ReplyDelete