Make It: Science Party Fun Slime Experiments
Decorations are just half of the party. Mix up some slime (and explain how it works) for messy, educational fun!
Photo: Karen DB Photography
Slime is still king when it comes to hands-on fun. There are several different recipes available. The classic one involves a common powdered household soap. But if you would rather not use Borax, we’ve also included a simpler recipe, using items you probably already have in your pantry.
How does it work? Glue has polymers which are a long chain of molecules that simply slip past each other when it is a liquid. Borax has an ion, borate ion, that links those polymers together. Add enough of those ions to make that rubbery substance kids call slime. Those bonds are strong enough to hold the polymers together, but still weak so the slime does not become solid.
See also: 🧊 Make It: Science Party Fun With Dry Ice
Classic Slime
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of white glue
- 1 Borax (found in the laundry detergent aisle of most stores)
- Water
- Food coloring (optional)
Directions
- Mix half (4 ounces) of the glue with ½ cup of water. Add food coloring, if you wish.
- In another bowl, mix 1 teaspoon Borax with one cup of water until the Borax dissolves.
- Add the glue to the borax solution, stirring slowly. The mixture will stiffen, then knead with your hands until it gets less sticky. The more you play with it, the more putty-like it will become.
- Pour out the remaining liquid.
- Options: You can also use gel glue for translucent slime.
See also: 🧫 Make It: Holiday Fluffy Slime
Cornstarch Slime
Ingredients
- 1 box of cornstarch
- Water
- Food coloring (optional)
Directions
- Mix two parts cornstarch with one part warm water until cornstarch dissolves. Add cornstarch or water until you achieve the consistency you want.
- Add food coloring of your choice.
Note: This version will be less stiff and more like a liquid than the Borax recipe. Make sure to keep stirring it while playing to keep the cornstarch from just settling to the bottom.
