Borax Slime, science experiment for children

Creating Borax slime is a classic and fun science experiment that helps children understand the properties of polymers and cross-linking.

Here's a step-by-step guide to making Borax slime:

Materials:

1. White school glue (PVA glue)
2. Borax powder (sodium borate)
3. Water
4. Food coloring (optional)
5. Mixing bowls
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Mixing spoon or spatula

Procedure:

1. Prepare the Glue Solution:
   • Pour 1/2 cup of white school glue into a mixing bowl.
   • Add 1/2 cup of water to the glue and stir until well combined.
   • If you want to add color to your slime, mix in a few drops of food coloring at this stage. Stir until the color is evenly distributed.
2. In a separate container, mix 1 teaspoon of Borax powder with 1 cup of warm water. Stir until the Borax is completely dissolved. This creates a Borax solution.
3. Combine the Solutions:
   • Slowly add the Borax solution to the glue mixture, one tablespoon at a time, while stirring continuously.
   • The slime will start to form almost immediately. Continue adding the Borax solution and stirring until the slime reaches the desired consistency. You might not need to use all of the Borax solution.
4. Knead the Slime:
   • Once the slime has formed, remove it from the bowl and knead it with your hands. Kneading helps to evenly distribute the ingredients and improve the texture.
   • If the slime is too sticky, add a small amount of the Borax solution and knead until it reaches the perfect consistency.
5. The slime is now ready to play with! Stretch, squish and enjoy the stretchy texture of the Borax slime.

Explanation:

Slime is a non-Newtonian fluid, which means it behaves both like a solid and a liquid. The glue contains polyvinyl acetate, a polymer that forms long chains of molecules. When the Borax solution is added, it cross-links these polymer chains, turning the liquid glue into a stretchy, gooey substance. This cross-linking creates the slime's unique properties.

Tips:

• Storage: Store the slime in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.
• Adjusting Consistency: If the slime is too sticky, add a little more Borax solution. If it's too stiff, add a bit more water and knead well.
• Clean-Up: Clean up any spills promptly to avoid staining surfaces.

Safety:

• Supervision: Always supervise children during this experiment, especially when handling Borax.

• Hand Washing: Ensure children wash their hands before and after playing with the slime.

Discussion Points:

• Polymers and Cross-Linking: Explain how the glue's polymers are linked together by the Borax, transforming the liquid glue into stretchy slime.
• Non-Newtonian Fluids: Discuss how slime behaves differently from regular liquids and solids, making it a non-Newtonian fluid.
• Sensory Exploration: Encourage children to describe the texture, stretchiness and feel of the slime, enhancing their sensory and descriptive skills.

Creating Borax slime is an engaging way for children to explore scientific concepts while having fun with a tactile and creative activity.

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