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Slime
Do you like making slime? We do.
Here are some simple experiments of how to make some:
1. Place 2 tablespoons of PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue in a zipper-type plastic bagor bowl and add an equal quantity of water.
2. Add 1 or 2 drops of food colour, if you want.
3. Add 1/2 teaspoon of saturated borax solution. (Borax can be bought in a pharmacy, or nag your science teacher to do this at school).
4. Squeeze the bag to mix the contents or use a spoon or your fingers if using a bowl.
5. When the slime has mostly formed, reach in and take out the slime. Don't be shy, it will not hurt you!
6. Knead the slime to make it smooth.
7. Puuuuuuurfect!!! You have made your slime!
It should be a bit like putty.
Options: use clear PVA glue and glitter for a different look.
Add shaving cream for fluffy slime.
Add poly styrene balls for some texture.
Another type of slime you can make, using cornstarch and water, is Oobleck.
Oobleck
Oobleck, Goo or Goop is a strange substance that has some of the properties of a liquid and a solid at the same time. Substances like this are called non-Newtonian fluids, because they do not follow the normal rules of solids and liquids. Newtonian solids, like wood or ice, hold their shape. Newtonian liquids, like oil or water, usually take the shape of the container they are in.
Non-Newtonian fluids like Oobleck are sometimes liquids and sometimes solids.
If you have ever melted chocolate without stirring it, you will notice that the squares of chocolate hold their shape until you stir them up. Melted chocolate is also a non-Newtonian fluid.
1. The Experiment
1.1 Safety
As with all experiments, you should talk to an adult before trying to make Oobleck. You may need permission to use the ingredients.
Oobleck is safe to touch; however, it can be very messy. You should wear an apron to keep your clothes clean. If you get Oobleck on your clothes or on the floor, you can easily clean them up with water.
1.2 What You Need Water
A cup of cornstarch
A bowl
A spoon
That's it, isn't that easy!
1.3 Instructions
Put about a cup of cornstarch into the bowl.
Pour about a cup and a half of water into the bowl and stir.
All the cornstarch should be covered in the water. There should be no dry cornstarch visible. If there is dry cornstarch, add a tiny bit more water and stir again. Keep adding a tiny bit of water and stirring until all the cornstarch is covered in water. The mixture should look wet but be difficult to stir, as if you are trying to stir a solid.
Dig in!
Note: If your oobleck starts getting too dry, just add a little more water and stir it again.