Slime is a fun school project that shows how chemistry can change everyday materials. White glue is a liquid that contains long, chain-like molecules called polymers. When a borax solution is mixed in, the glue becomes thicker, stretchier, and more solid-like.
This project matters because it helps students see and feel a science idea with their own hands.
Key Facts
- White glue contains polymers, which are long chain-like molecules.
- Borax solution helps make cross-links between glue polymers.
- More borax solution usually makes slime firmer and less stretchy.
- More water usually makes slime softer and runnier.
- A simple mixture can use 1 cup glue, 1 cup water, and a small amount of borax solution.
- Always make slime with adult supervision, and do not eat or taste any materials.
Vocabulary
- Polymer
- A polymer is a very long molecule made of many smaller parts linked together like a chain.
- Cross-link
- A cross-link is a connection that joins polymer chains together and helps slime hold its shape.
- Borax
- Borax is a powder that can be mixed with water to help turn glue into slime, but it must be handled safely.
- Solution
- A solution is a mixture where one substance is spread evenly through another, such as borax dissolved in water.
- Viscosity
- Viscosity describes how thick or runny a liquid is.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding too much borax solution at once makes slime stiff and rubbery because too many cross-links form too quickly.
- Touching borax powder without adult help is unsafe because borax can irritate skin, eyes, or the mouth.
- Forgetting to stir slowly and evenly can leave clumps because the borax solution does not spread through the glue mixture.
- Skipping handwashing after the project is unsafe because slime ingredients and food coloring can stay on your hands.
Practice Questions
- 1 A class uses 1 cup of glue and 1 cup of water for one batch of slime. How many cups of liquid are in the bowl before adding borax solution?
- 2 Each group needs 2 spoonfuls of borax solution. If 5 groups make slime, how many spoonfuls of borax solution are needed in all?
- 3 If one slime sample is very stiff and breaks when stretched, while another stretches slowly like a ribbon, which sample probably has more borax solution? Explain your reasoning using polymers and cross-links.