Slime Recipes

PVA slime

Safety

Children must not put the slime or any of the substances used in this activity near their mouths.

·        Wash hands with soap and water at the end of the activity.

·        The slime must be thrown away at the end of the activity.

·        Slime cannot be taken home.

Equipment per group of children

Equipment notes

·        Thicker PVA works best for this activity.

·        Put the materials in labelled pots each with a teaspoon for children to share.

·        Dispose of PVA slime in a normal bin.

Procedure

1.      Put 2 teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda in a cup.

2.      Add 3 teaspoons of water.

3.      Add 1 teaspoon of PVA and stir the mixture for 1-2 minutes.

4.      Add 3 teaspoons of cornflour and stir well.

Note: If the mixture remains runny add an extra teaspoon of cornflour.

5.      Take the mixture out of the cup and knead it with your hands.

Optional step: Add a few drops of ready mixed paint and knead it again with your hands. PVA slime has a doughy texture. If left on a table or on a slope it will flow, like a liquid. Handling the slime for a few minutes will make it stretch. You can break bits off it, like you would a solid. Once you stop handling the slime it will become hard.

Xanthan gum slime

Safety

·        Children must not put the slime or any of the substances used in this activity near their mouths.

·        Wash hands with soap and water at the end of the activity.

·        The water temperature must not exceed 50 °C.

·        The slime must be thrown away at the end of the activity.

·        Slime cannot be taken home.

Equipment per group of children

Equipment notes

·        Warm water from primary school hot taps (up to approx. 45°C) works.

·        Xanthan gum is available in the baking aisle of most large supermarkets.

·        Dispose of xanthan gum slime in a normal bin.

Procedure

1.      Put 2 tablespoons of warm water in a plastic bowl.

2.      Add 2 pinches of xanthan gum and mix into the water. Optional step: Add a few drops of food colouring and mix in well.

3.      Add 2 tablespoons of cornflour and stir the mixture well.

Note: If the mixture remains runny add an extra teaspoon of cornflour.

Xanthan gum slime is runnier than PVA slime. It flows in the absence of pressure but when force is applied, it is hard and smashes when struck.