The Scientific Method and Slime Project

A hands-on lab activity with slime!

supplies needed

• 5 fl. oz. Elmer’s Translucent Color Glue
• ½ tbsp. baking soda
• 1 tbsp. contact lens solution
• Bowl
• Mixing utensils
• Measuring spoons
• Cornstarch
• Cotton balls
• Kinetic Sand®

Kinetic Sand® is a registered trademark of Spin Master Ltd.

instructions

  1. Pour the entire bottle of Elmer’s® Translucent Color Glue into the bowl.
     
  2. Add ½ tbsp. of baking soda and mix thoroughly. Add 1 tbsp. of contact lens solution and mix until solution gets thick and slime begins to form.
     
  3. Take out the slime and begin kneading it with both hands. If needed, add another ¼ tbsp. of contact lens solution to make the slime less sticky.
     
  4. Now put on your lab jackets, and let’s get science-y. Divide your slime into three sections of equal size.
     

  5. Ask students questions: What do you think will happen to your slime if you add cornstarch, sand, or cotton to it? Have them write out a hypothesis. Then have them add cotton balls to one ball of slime, Kinetic Sand® to another, and cornstarch to the third.
     
  6. Were the hypotheses correct? Why or why not? Have each student or group of students report their findings to the class.


*Adult supervision is required; this project is not appropriate for children under the age of 3 years. Thoroughly wash your hands before and after making and playing with slime. Warning: If large quantities of contact lens solution are accidentally ingested (greater than a tablespoon), get medical attention immediately.

*Some contact solution brands work better than others, check out our Slime Tips section for all the details

 

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