Many people recognize March 17 as St. Patrick's Day, but it's likely that far fewer people know that the rubber band was also patented on that date. The credit for this stretchy wonder goes to Stephen Perry who patented the item in 1845. Today, most rubber bands are made from a natural rubber known as latex, which comes from rubber trees grown in warm, moist climates.
In addition to its practical use of holding items together, there are several ways to incorporate rubber bands into engaging lesson plans. Try some of these activities with your student, all of which can be completed using common household items.
Observe rubber's response to temperature change. Most materials expand when heated and contract when cooled, but rubber bands do the opposite. Use this lesson to observe the odd response of a stretched rubber band to temperature change. This lesson is best suited for high school students.
Create a car. Teach your student about potential and kinetic energy by building a rubber band propelled car. Compare the way the length and width of the rubber band affect the car's mobility. Consider modifying the car to perform well on different surfaces. This lesson is best suited for middle school students.
Make music. Recycle household items and rubber bands to create a guitar. Experiment with the sound by making several guitars using different shaped boxes and types of rubber bands. This lesson is best suited for elementary students.
Enter a contest for young inventors. Challenge your student to create an invention that uses at least one rubber band. Encourage him or her to enter a contest hosted by The Akron Global Polymer Academy at The University of Akron. Visit the contest website for rules and registration information, important dates, examples of past contest winners, and other important information. The contest is open to students in grades 5-8.