KidKrete

Abstract: Kids will learn how molds can make it easy to mass produce specific shapes. They will observe the practical value of this method by assembling their final products into a free standing arch. In this activity kids will learn how molds can make identical bricks. By mixing sand with Elmer's glue, this concrete like mixture can be inserted into uniform molds and baked to create solid bricks. Just like the Romans, these bricks are consistent enough to assemble into a perfect arch, one of the strongest structures in the world. Keep it as a souvenir or see the extraordinary force it takes to crush it, either way you can see the amazing reproducible shapes that molding can create.

This activity is great for kids 3 years old and up. Parents should supervise the children during the whole exercise. Parents should make sure none of the children touch the molds after they are taken out of the oven because they will be, and will stay, very hot. This activity is also great to do even if you do not have the activity bin. All of the supplies you need (minuse the aluminum mold) are cheap and easily available from any number of local stores. You can use anything you want for a mold as long as it is oven-safe. Also, be sure to spray with PAM for easy release. Have fun making your KidKrete Creations!

Directions:

Materials:

• Sifted Play-Sand
  
  
  


• Elmer's Glue
  
  
  


• Aluminum Molds - One for individual bricks and one for the keystone
  
  
  


• Toaster Oven
  
  
  


• Oven Mitt
  
  


• Screwdriver
  
  

Procedures:

• Mix Play-Sand with Elmer's glue until a doughy consistency is obtained. Make sure all of the sand is mixed into the glue.
  
  
  
  
• Spray the aluminum molds with pam to make sure the bricks slide out easily.
  
  
  
  
• Place the sand/glue mixture in the supplied aluminum mold and pack it in tight.
  
  
  
  
• Place the mold in the toaster oven and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until the exposed sand on the top of the mold is hard.
  
  
  
  
• Remove the mold from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Be careful, the mold will be very hot. Do not let children by the mold.
  
  
  
  
• Carefully remove the screws from the back of the mold to expose the bottom of the bricks. Begin to pry/slide each brick out of the mold by pushing against the bottom edges of the brick with the screwdriver. The mold and bricks will still be very hot.
  
  
  
  
• Allow all of the bricks to cool down for another 25 minutes or until they have hardened.
  
  
  
  
• At this point an arch can be made by the molded bricks.
  
  
  
  
• The arch can either be kept as a souvenir or tested to failure.
  

Adam Seibert
Ben Mullican
Jared Gargano