Science Experiment: Slime, Flubber, Goop

The result of this experiment can take on different sizes, shapes and form so maybe that is why this experiment has so many different names – Slime, Flubber, Goop, Silly Putty, …. any others? Watch Video

Science Experiment: Slime, Goop or Flubber

• 2 ounces glue, like Elmer’s glue or white glue
• 1/4 cup of water
• acrylic or poster paint in any color
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/4 tsp borax powder
• flat stirring stick, like popsicle sticks from craft stores

Science Experiment: Slime, Goop or Flubber

Video:

Watch the Video How To Make Slime, Goop or Flubber or follow Step-by-Step Instructions below.

Instructions:

Step 1. Measure glue and water and mix together in a medium sized bowl.  When the glue is mixed in, add some paint into it.  The more paint you add in, the darker the slime will be.  Stir to mix well.  Set aside.

Step 2. In a smaller measuring cup or bowl, mix in the borax with 1/4 cup of warm water.  Stir to mix as much as possible.  Not all of the borax will dissolve.  That means that the liquid has become saturated and the rest will sink to the bottom.  Borax can be found at any grocery store in the detergent section and is used to brighten white clothing.

 

 

Step 3. Pour the borax mixture into the glue mixture.  If you have undissolved borax, try not to pour that in.  With the popsicle stick in hand, get ready to quickly stir and mix the ingredients.  The slime will form almost instantly in this step so make sure you stir immediately.  The slime/goop/flubber will be rubbery, soft and slippery.

Step 4. Take your mixture to the sink and take it out of the cup.  Use your hands to squeeze as much liquid out of it as possible.  The more liquid you squeeze out the firmer and bouncier it will get.

Step 5. Once all the mixture is squeezed out, it will look like this.  Store in a plastic zip loc bag or tub.

 

What just happened?  The science behind the slime.

The Elmer’s glue is a long-chained polymer (Poly Vinyl Acetate), meaning it is a set of molecules that are linked together in a long series.  By adding the borax mixture that consists of Borate ion and water molecules, these long chains of polymers (glue) can be linked together, forming a kind of matrix.  The bond between these polymers in this matrix is not very strong, which explains why the slime (goop or flubber) is bendable and stretchable.

Tip: Keep away from rugs and carpet.  It may stain and ruin it.

Caution: Keep away from small children and pets.

Take this further:

• Experiment with different ratios of water, borax and glue.  Does the proportion change the way the slime comes out?  Does it get firmer or does it get slimier?
• The slime feels cold to touch.  Experiment with temperature and see how high or low the difference is between the air temperature and the slime when heated or cooled.
• Experiment by adding various colors together to make new colored slime.  What happens once two separate colored slime are mixed together?  Does the slime integrate and mix with each other or do they stay separate?
• Use glow in the dark paint and see if that can make the slime glow in the dark.  How much paint do you have to add to make it glow?  If it does glow, how long does it need to be held in the light to make it glow?

Other Science Party Related Ideas

• Science Supplies and Science Party Supplies
• Science Party Ideas: Mad Wacky Science Fun
• Science Party Ideas: Snack Recipes
• Science Experiment: Volcanoes for Kids
• Science Experiment: Homemade Play Dough
• Science Experiment: Baking Soda Rocket
• Science Experiment: Slime, Flubber or Goop
• Science Experiment: Alka Seltzer Grenades
• Science Experiment: Egg in a Bottle
• Science Party Fun: Egg Bridge
• Video: Baking Soda Rocket Experiment
• Video: How To Make Slime
• Halloween Twist: Mad Wacky Science and Halloween Party Ideas.

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