Slime may be considered a popular toy, but did you know that it can also be a chemistry experiment? You can make slime at home with just a few simple ingredients! These ingredients undergo a chemical reaction to create the slime we know and love. All you have to do is follow the instructions below. Be sure to talk together about the science behind why this experiment works and don’t be afraid to explore!
Slime is made through chemistry! Most slime has the same two main ingredients: polyvinyl alcohol (in the glue) and borax (in the liquid starch). When mixed together with water, a chemical reaction occurs, and your slime is formed. Slime is a great example of polymers. Polymers are made of long chains of identical molecules. Other common polymers include rubber, starch, and even DNA!
Slime is also an example of a non-Newtonian fluid, meaning its viscosity (resistance to flow) can change. This is why sometimes slime seems like a solid and sometimes it is more like a liquid. Slime can be picked up like a solid, but it also takes the shape of its container like a liquid. The amount of glue, water, and borax in the slime all affect its viscosity and how solid or liquid the slime acts.
EVPL Holiday Hours & Closures: Closed: Dec. 24-25 & Dec. 31-Jan.1
Closing at 6:00 pm: Dec. 23, 26, 27, 30, and Jan. 2 & 3 Regular Hours: Saturday & Sunday
Normal EVPL operating hours will resume Monday, Jan. 6. But our digital resources are available 24/7!