DIY Slime for Kids – How to Make Slime (Oobleck) – Science Experiments to do at Home

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In this lesson, kids learn how to make homemade slime while exploring the science behind it, specifically the concept of non-Newtonian fluids like Oobleck. The step-by-step instructions guide them through mixing glue, water, and liquid starch, with optional add-ins for color and sparkle, while emphasizing the importance of adult supervision. This fun experiment not only fosters creativity but also introduces basic chemistry and physics concepts.
  1. What are the main ingredients you need to make slime?
  2. Can you explain what Oobleck is and how it behaves like both a liquid and a solid?
  3. Why is it important to have a grown-up help you when making slime?

How to Make Homemade Slime: A Fun Science Experiment for Kids

Making homemade slime is a super fun activity that lets you be creative and learn about science at the same time. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make your own slime and explain the cool science behind it. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have these materials:

  • 1 Grown-Up: Always have an adult help you, especially when using ingredients you shouldn’t eat.
  • ½ Cup of Liquid Starch: This helps make the slime stretchy.
  • ½ Cup of Clear or White Glue: This is the main part of your slime.
  • ½ Cup of Water: This helps mix everything together.
  • 2 Bowls: One for mixing glue and water, and another for the liquid starch.
  • A Spoon: For mixing everything together.
  • Optional Add-Ins: You can add glitter and food coloring to make your slime colorful and sparkly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix Glue and Water

In one bowl, mix the ½ cup of glue with the ½ cup of water. Stir them well until they are completely mixed. This will be the base of your slime.

2. Add Color and Sparkle

If you want your slime to be colorful and sparkly, add some glitter and food coloring now. Mix them in well so the color and sparkle are even throughout the slime.

3. Combine with Liquid Starch

In the second bowl, pour in the ½ cup of liquid starch. Slowly add the glue and water mixture to the liquid starch. As you mix, you’ll see the slime starting to form. Mix slowly and thoroughly to get the right texture.

4. Knead the Slime

When the slime starts to come together, it’s time to use your hands! Knead the slime by squeezing and stretching it. This is where the magic happens! The more you play with it, the better it will get.

The Science Behind Slime: What is Oobleck?

Did you know that slime is a special kind of goo called Oobleck? Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid, which means it acts like both a liquid and a solid. When you squeeze it, it feels solid, but when you let it flow, it acts like a liquid. This happens because of the way the molecules in the slime stick together.

Why Does This Happen?

Oobleck is usually made with cornstarch and water, but in slime, the glue and liquid starch create a similar effect. The glue has long chains called polymers that get tangled up, making the slime stretchy and fun to play with. This is a great way to learn about how things can change from one state to another!

Conclusion

Great job! You’ve made your own slime and learned some cool science facts. This experiment is not only fun but also teaches you about chemistry and physics. Remember to keep your slime in a container with a lid so it stays fresh for more playtime. Have fun experimenting!

  • What was your favorite part about making slime, and why do you think it was fun? Can you think of other activities that are both fun and educational?
  • Have you ever noticed something that acts like both a liquid and a solid, like slime does? Where did you see it, and what did it feel like?
  • Imagine you could add any color or sparkle to your slime. What would you choose and why? How do you think adding different things might change the way your slime looks or feels?
  1. Experiment with Different Textures: Try making another batch of slime using different amounts of liquid starch or glue. What happens if you use more glue or more starch? Does the texture change? Write down your observations and compare the different slimes you make. Discuss with your grown-up helper why you think these changes happen.

  2. Slime Art: Use your slime to create fun shapes or letters on a flat surface. Can you make a slime snake or a slime heart? Take pictures of your creations and share them with your friends or family. Talk about how the slime’s ability to stretch and hold shapes is related to its non-Newtonian properties.

  3. Slime in Nature: Go on a nature walk and look for things that remind you of slime. Can you find anything that is stretchy or gooey like your homemade slime? Think about how these natural slimes might be similar or different from the slime you made. Share your findings with your class or family.

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