What Kids Learn From This STEAM Activity
Make Homemade Slime is a STEAM activity, Craft activity that teaches kids a lot! They learn about the science of mixing ingredients to create a new material (like glue turning into slime). It’s like a mini chemistry experiment. They use math when measuring and adjusting the ingredients. They get creative by choosing colors and adding fun things like glitter. It’s hands-on, so they learn by doing and exploring different textures. Plus, it’s a bit like engineering, as they experiment with how much activator to use to get the right slimey consistency. Overall, it’s a super fun way for kids to learn and play with science and art at the same time!
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What We Need For This STEAM Activity
STEAM Activity, STEM Activity, Craft Activity – Make Homemade Slime
- 1 Cup of White PVA Glue: You’ll need white PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue, commonly known as school glue or craft glue. You can use clear or white glue, depending on the desired result
- 3 TBS of Contact Lens Solution (Activator): There are various activators you can use to turn the glue into slime. The most common activators are borax solution (borax dissolved in water), liquid starch, or saline solution (containing sodium borate) Contact lens solution must contain boric acid or sodium borate. We used this one.
- 1/2 tsp of Baking Soda
- 1/4 Cup of Water: Water is usually required to dilute the activator or adjust the slime’s consistency.
- Food Coloring: Optional, but you can use food coloring to add color to your slime, making it more visually appealing.
- Glitter, Beads, or Other Add-Ins: Optional add-ins to customize the texture or appearance of your slime, such as glitter, foam beads, or small toys.
How to Do the STEAM Activity, Make Homemade Slime
- Mix Glue, Baking Soda and Water: In a mixing bowl, combine the PVA glue, baking soda with a small amount of water (if necessary) to achieve the desired consistency. Stir until well mixed.
STEAM Activity, STEM Activity, Craft Activity Make Homemade Slime – Mix White Glue, Water, Baking Soda - Divide the Mixture into 2 Batches. : to make 2 different color slime doughs.
- Add Color and Add-Ins: If you want colored or textured slime, add food coloring and any add-ins like glitter or beads to the glue mixture. Stir thoroughly.
STEAM Activity, STEM Activity, Craft Activity Make Homemade Slime – Add Food Coloring and Glitter - Activate the Slime: Gradually add the activator solution to the glue mixture while stirring continuously. Stir until the slime begins to form and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the Slime Dough: Knead the slime dough with your hands to achieve the desired consistency. If it’s still too sticky, add a little more contact lens solution and knead again.
STEAM Activity, STEM Activity, Craft Activity Make Homemade Slime – Knead the Slime Dough - Play and Experiment: Once your slime is ready, you can use it for hands-on play and exploration. Stretch it, squish it, and observe its properties. Discuss the science behind how the ingredients interact to create slime.
STEAM Activity, STEM Activity, Craft Activity Make Homemade Slime – Play With the Slime
STEAM Activity, STEM Activity, Craft Activity Make Homemade Slime – Play, Pull, Stretch the SlimeVariations & Challenges
- Glitter Galaxy Slime: Add various colors of glitter to create a galaxy-themed slime, encouraging creativity and aesthetics.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Slime: Use glow-in-the-dark paint or powder to make slime that glows in the dark, exploring luminescence and phosphorescence.
- Scented Slime: Incorporate scented oils or extracts to create aromatic slime, teaching about scent and chemistry.
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