Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to make slime using different ingredients found around the house and understand the basic principles of chemistry involved in the process.

Materials and Prep

• Glue
• Borax powder
• Water
• Food coloring (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bowls for mixing
• Stirring utensils
• Plastic ziplock bags for storage
• Protective apron or old clothes
• Table cover or newspaper to protect the work surface

Prior to the lesson, make sure you have gathered all the materials and set up a designated work area.

Activities

1. Mixing Basic Slime

- In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of glue with 1/2 cup of water. Stir well until combined.

- If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture and stir again.

- In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of borax powder in 1/2 cup of water.

- Slowly pour the borax solution into the glue mixture while stirring continuously.

- Keep stirring until the slime starts to form and becomes less sticky.

- Remove the slime from the bowl and knead it with your hands until it reaches the desired consistency.

- Store the slime in a plastic ziplock bag when not in use.

2. Experimenting with Different Ingredients

- Repeat the basic slime recipe, but this time try adding different ingredients to see how they affect the texture and properties of the slime.

- For example, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to make the slime thicker or a few drops of baby oil to make it stretchier.

- Keep track of the different ingredients used and observe and compare the results.

Third Grade Talking Points

• "Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the properties, composition, and behavior of matter."
• "Slime is a substance that can be made by mixing certain ingredients together."
• "Glue contains a polymer called polyvinyl acetate, which is a long chain of molecules that can slide past each other, giving glue its sticky properties."
• "Borax, when dissolved in water, forms borate ions. These ions link the polymer chains in the glue, creating a stretchy and slimy substance."
• "By adding different ingredients to the basic slime recipe, we can change its texture and properties."
• "Cornstarch can make the slime thicker, while baby oil can make it stretchier."
• "Observing and comparing the results of different ingredient additions helps us understand how they affect the slime."