STEM Activity: Discovering the Science of Slime

Explore the squeezy, squishy science of slime by combining ingredients and watching them change.

Materials Needed:

• Beads, glitter or recycled items (optional)
• A slime kit or ingredients to make slime:
  • Slime activator (4 ounces), such as the Colorations^® slime activator
  • Liquid school glue (8 ounces)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make your slime.
   • If you are using a slime kit, follow the instructions included in the kit.
   • If you are using a slime activator and glue, combine the slime activator and glue in a large bowl. Mix and knead the solution until it turns into a slime.
      
2. While you mix the ingredients, take some time to think about change. Ask your child these guiding questions:
   • In what ways might we be like slime?
   • Do you think we have the ability to change?
      
3. Squeeze and stretch your new slime creation, noticing any soothing or satisfying sensations.
    
4. Modify your slime in any way you choose. Experiment with colors, textures and add-ins like glitter, beads or cut-up recyclable items.
   
   Explore your artistic side by creating unique slime designs, mixing colors and inventing your own slime recipes. By stretching your imagination, you’re working on your problem-solving skills and fostering creative thinking.
    
5. Once you’re finished, store your slime in an airtight container to use again!

What Are We Discovering?

If you used glue to create your slime, you explored polymers. Polymers are large molecules that can be thought of as chains made up of smaller units called monomers. When a liquid activator (like the Colorations slime activator or saline solution with baking soda) is added to the polymer (like glue), it causes a chemical reaction. The activator molecules attach themselves to the polymers, causing some of the bonds that hold the chains together to break and then rearrange, forming links with other parts of the chain. This process is known as cross-linking. As the polymers become cross-linked, the slime starts to thicken and solidify. The more cross-links form, the thicker the slime becomes, allowing it to be pulled, stretched and molded into different shapes.

Slime can have different properties depending on the amount of glue and activator used in the mixture. Adding more glue can make the slime stickier, while adding more activator can make it firmer.

Keep the Fun and Learning Going!

For more hands-on STEM fun for your family, keep exploring our blog.