Instructions
Today, you are going to learn about forces and friction while making slime! Follow the steps below carefully and answer the questions that follow. Make sure to have fun with your experiment!
Materials
- 1 cup of glue (white or clear)
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 1-2 tbsp of contact lens solution (contains boric acid)
- Optional: Food coloring or glitter for fun!
- Mixing bowl
- Stirring stick or spoon
Procedure
- In a mixing bowl, combine the glue and water. Stir well.
- Add the baking soda and mix until it is completely dissolved.
- If you want, add a few drops of food coloring or some glitter to make your slime look cool!
- Slowly add the contact lens solution while stirring. You’ll notice the mixture beginning to form slime.
- Once it’s less sticky, use your hands to knead the slime until it reaches your desired consistency.
Questions
1. What forces are acting on the slime while you are mixing it in the bowl? (Think about gravity, friction, etc.)
2. Describe how friction affects the mixing of the slime. Can you feel the difference when you use a spoon compared to using your hands?
3. How does the consistency of the slime change as you add more contact lens solution? Explain the importance of the chemical reaction that happens when you mix in the solution.
4. What did you enjoy most about this experiment? Did anything surprise you?
Extra Challenge
If you want to take this experiment further, try changing the ratio of glue to water or adding different materials (like cornstarch). Record what you change and how it affects the slime!