Imagine it’s the 1940s, during World War II, in Rochester, New York. A chemist named Harry Coover is working for a company called Eastman Kodak. He and his team are on a mission to create a clear plastic that can be used to make precise gunsights for the military. They start experimenting with a group of chemicals known as cyanoacrylates. However, they quickly discover that these chemicals have a very annoying habit—they stick to everything and won’t come off! Frustrated, they decide to stop using them.
After the war, Coover is back at work at Kodak’s chemical plant in Tennessee. This time, he and his team are trying to find materials that can withstand high temperatures for use in jet airplane canopies. They give cyanoacrylates another try, but once again, they find that these chemicals stick to everything, which makes them difficult to handle. So, they decide to discard them once more.
Then, Coover has a brilliant idea. He realizes that the very thing that made cyanoacrylates so frustrating—their super stickiness—could actually be incredibly useful. He decides to patent this sticky substance and starts marketing it as super glue. This was a game-changer!
Years later, during the Vietnam War, medics in the field discover an amazing use for super glue. They find that applying it to open wounds can instantly stop bleeding, which saves many lives. Today, a special medical version of super glue is still used in surgeries. Plus, super glue has become a must-have item in many homes for fixing all sorts of things.
So, the next time you use super glue, remember the fascinating journey it took from a frustrating lab experiment to a life-saving and handy tool!
Imagine you are a historian. Create a timeline that highlights the key events in the invention of super glue. Include the initial discovery, the challenges faced, and the eventual realization of its potential. Use drawings or digital tools to make your timeline visually appealing.
With a group of classmates, act out the story of how super glue was invented. Assign roles such as Harry Coover, his team members, and military personnel. Focus on the challenges and breakthroughs they experienced. This will help you understand the process of scientific discovery.
Conduct a simple experiment to test the strength of different adhesives, including super glue. Gather materials like paper, plastic, and wood, and see how well each adhesive holds them together. Record your observations and discuss why super glue might be more effective in certain situations.
Investigate how super glue is used today, especially in medical settings. Create a presentation or poster that explains its applications in surgeries and emergency situations. Share your findings with the class to highlight the importance of this invention.
Inspired by the story of super glue, think of a common problem you face and brainstorm a new product that could solve it. Write a short description of your invention, how it works, and why it would be useful. Present your idea to the class and get feedback on your innovation.
In a Moment of Vision… It’s the 1940s, during World War II, in Rochester, New York. A chemist named Harry Coover is conducting research for Eastman Kodak. He and his team are looking for a clear plastic to produce precision gunsights for the military. They begin working with a family of chemicals called cyanoacrylates but find, to their extreme annoyance, that the chemicals stick to everything permanently. The cyanoacrylates are discarded.
After the war, Coover is working at Kodak’s chemical plant in Tennessee. This time, he and his team are researching heat-resistant polymers for jet airplane canopies. They try cyanoacrylates again but find, to their great frustration, that the chemicals stick to everything permanently. Once more, the cyanoacrylates are discarded.
However, Coover, in a moment of insight, realizes that the quality that makes these chemicals so difficult to work with is exactly what makes them valuable. He takes out a patent and begins marketing a super glue. Years later, during the Vietnam War, field medics discover that using super glue on an open wound instantly stops the bleeding, saving countless lives. Today, medical-grade super glue is still used in surgery and has become a nearly indispensable household item.
Chemicals – Substances with a distinct molecular composition that are produced by or used in a chemical process. – In chemistry class, we learned how different chemicals react with each other to form new substances.
Cyanoacrylates – A family of strong fast-acting adhesives used in various applications, including medical and industrial. – Cyanoacrylates are often used in laboratories to quickly bond materials during experiments.
Super – Extremely effective or powerful, often used to describe something that exceeds the usual standards. – The super adhesive properties of cyanoacrylates make them ideal for quick repairs.
Glue – A substance used to stick objects or materials together. – In history class, we discussed how ancient civilizations used natural glue made from animal products.
Invention – The creation of a new device, method, or process developed from study and experimentation. – The invention of synthetic rubber was a significant advancement in the field of chemistry.
Patent – A government authority or license conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention. – The scientist received a patent for his new chemical process that improved battery efficiency.
Military – Relating to the armed forces or to soldiers, arms, or war. – During World War II, the military used various chemicals to develop new types of explosives.
Temperatures – The degree of heat present in a substance or object, often measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. – In our experiment, we observed how different temperatures affected the rate of chemical reactions.
Experiment – A scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact. – Our chemistry experiment involved mixing different chemicals to observe the changes in color and temperature.
Lives – The existence of an individual human being or animal, often considered in terms of its impact or significance. – The discovery of antibiotics has saved countless lives throughout history by treating bacterial infections.
