The science of rubber can take a lot of shapes. Sometimes, it can be a ball, both figuratively and literally.
Alliance Rubber Co. in Hot Springs, Ark., is partnering with the Mid-America Science Museum to bring the community together with rubber bands. Starting from the museum's second annual Summer Science Smash party in July, visitors at the museum have been encouraged to add rubber bands to a "community" rubber band ball. The ball will be left at the museum for daily additions over the next 12 months in an effort to reach 300 lbs. by next August. Alliance says that the ball will be used "in a spectacular event" to be announced before next year's Science Smash, but hasn't given any hints.