Waterbeads for
Classroom Science
Teachers use water beads for supervised science demos about absorption, polymers and light. We're trusted by schools and TAFEs across Australia, and always happy to help with class quantities.
Simple Science Demos for the Classroom
Water beads make polymers easy to see. Teachers set up and handle the beads, and students watch and record what happens.
Tactile Integration
Water beads make polymers easy to see. Teachers set up and handle the beads, and students watch and record what happens.
Motor Skill Growth
Whether you're setting up an at-home quiet corner or a classroom sensory station, water beads offer endless engagement.
Endless Creativity
Whether you're setting up an at-home quiet corner or a classroom sensory station, water beads offer endless engagement.
Ideas and Uses
Endless Ways to Use
Fine Motor Tools
Weigh and Measure: Weigh some dry beads, soak them in water, then weigh them again so students can see how much water a polymer holds.
Color Sorting Bins
Now You See Them: Clear beads in water seem to disappear because they bend light almost the same way water does. A simple demo that always gets a reaction.
Calm Down Jars & Trays
Record and Compare: Soak beads in jars and measure them every hour to chart how fast they grow. Teachers set up and pack away the jars.
Light Table Exploration
Not a toy. Keep away from children and pets. Swallowed beads can cause a blockage. If swallowed, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. Teachers handle the beads and pack them away after the lesson.
Waterbeads FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are water beads?
Water beads are a super-absorbent polymer. They’re about the size of a poppy seed when dry, and can expand up to 100 times their original size after absorbing water!
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Can I order water beads in bulk?
Yes, water beads in bulk orders are available or you can select multiple 300 gram packs. There are approximately 16,500 beads per 300gram pack. If you need to purchase by the KG we can help you.
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How long do water beads last in a vase?
Our water beads come in 10g sachets. Simply soak the contents of one sachet in 1.5 L of water for roughly 8 hours – overnight is perfect – and voila! Your once tiny beads are now the size of marbles and are ready for use.
We love adding them to vases and centrepieces to create unique decor for the home, or events like weddings and birthday shindigs. There are other uses for water beads, though, such as adding them to your garden soil to assist with keeping your plants and flowers hydrated, or as a sensory tool for children.
Please note: Our product is not a toy. We recommend strict adult supervision should you choose to use water beads for sensory purposes with children, as they can be a serious choking hazard.
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How many water beads do I get in a pack?
Individual bead counts are below (approximate only):
- 10 grams = 600 water beads
- 50 grams = 3000 water beads
- 100 grams = 6000 water beads
- 300 grams = 18000 water beadsCaution!: Some online shops suggest they have tens of thousands of beads in small packs (eg. 10 grams) which is a blatant lie. The most reliable way to purchase is by total weight.
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Are Jelly Beads and water beads the same thing?
Yes. Water beads and Jelly Beads both use a super-absorbent polymer to expand to around 100 times their original size. They are also known as water crystals, water balls, gel balls, water marbles, crystal soil and magic fairy beads.
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Are your water beads good value?
Yes, at the time of writing this we are not aware of any online shop based in Australia, that holds Australian stock with water beads cheaper than ours. And if you find a product at a cheaper price we’ll match it (please see T&C’s for price match details).
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Are water beads safe?
Water beads are a decorative product, not a toy. Used as directed for vases, plants and displays they do the job beautifully, but they must be kept away from children and pets. Swallowed beads can expand and cause a serious internal blockage. If swallowed, seek medical help straight away (Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26).
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What are the most popular jelly bead colours?
Based purely on sales the colours that we ship most frequently are clear, purple, turquoise, blue, red and pink. However, the most beautiful colour in our opinion is turquoise – it looks absolutely stunning!
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Do you ship everywhere in Australia?
Yes, we certainly do! We ship nationwide, and regardless of your destination, regular post is FREE, and Express Post is $11.50.
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Where to buy Water Beads in Australia?
Naturally we recommend Water Beads Australia for a quick online purchase, with friendly customer support. If you would prefer buying water beads in person we suggest a local weekend market, or a trustworthy retailer.
