How to Make Slime: Complete Guide for Kids and Parents

Step by step to make slime

Do you want to learn how to make sime at home? See how to do it!

1. Prepare the base:

• In a bowl, add desired amount of white glue. It is recommended to start with approximately one cup of glue.
• Tip: Make sure the bowl is clean and dry before adding the glue.

1. Add water:

• Mix equal parts water and glue. For example, if you used a cup of cola, add a cup of water.
• Stir well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
• Tip: Use room temperature water to prevent the glue from solidifying too quickly.

1. Coloring (optional):

• Add a few drops of food coloring to the glue and water mixture.
• Mix well until the color is uniform.
• Tip: Start with a few drops of dye and add more if you want a more intense color.

1. Add glitter (optional):

• If desired, add a generous amount of glitter to the mixture.
• Mix well to distribute the glitter evenly.
• Tip: Try combining different glitter colors for a more interesting effect.

1. Activate the slime:

• Slowly add the saline solution or borax to the glue and water mixture, stirring continuously.
• The mixture will begin to solidify and form slime. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
• Tip: Add the activator little by little to prevent the slime from becoming too hard.

1. Knead the slime:

• When the mixture is firmer, use your hands to knead the slime. Continue kneading until it reaches the desired consistency.
• If the slime is too sticky, add a little more saline solution or borax, kneading well after each addition.
• Tip: If the slime is too hard, add a little more water to soften it.

Necessary materials

To make slime, you will need the following materials:

1. White glue (PVA):

• Preferably, use a good quality white glue. The amount may vary, but for a starting amount, use approximately one cup.

1. Saline or borax:

• The saline solution must contain sodium borate and sodium bicarbonate. Borax is another common activator, which can be found in pharmacies or cleaning supply stores.

1. Water:

• Use room temperature water to mix with the glue. The quantity must be equal to the amount of glue used.

1. Food coloring (optional):

• Liquid or gel dyes can be used to color the slime. Choose vibrant colors for an interesting visual effect.

1. Glitter (optional):

• Add glitter for a sparkly, fun effect. Choose colors that complement the food coloring.

1. Mixing bowl:

• Use a medium to large bowl to mix all the ingredients without spilling.

1. Spoon for mixing:

• A plastic or wooden spoon is ideal for mixing the ingredients.

Additional Tips

• Storage: Store slime in an airtight container to keep it fresh and usable for longer.
• Customization: Add beads, shaving foam or other ingredients to vary the texture and appearance of the slime.
• Security: Always wash your hands before and after handling slime and supervise young children throughout the process.

Security and Cleaning

Making slime is a fun and safe activity, but it's essential to take some precautions to ensure everyone stays safe and the work area is kept clean. Here is a detailed guide to help you ensure safety and cleanliness during and after your slime making activity.

Supervision

1. Constant supervision:

• Make sure young children are always under adult supervision while making slime.
• Regularly check progress and help with steps that involve using activators like borax or saline.
• Tip: Explain each step to the children, making sure they understand what they are doing and why it is important to follow the instructions correctly.

1. Secure desktop:

• Choose a well-ventilated, protected work area, such as your kitchen table or craft bench.
• Cover your work surface with newspaper or an old towel to prevent spills and make cleanup easier.
• Tip: Have all materials ready before you begin to minimize movement and possible accidents.

Hygiene

1. Wash your hands before:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you start making slime to ensure there are no dirt or germs in the ingredients.
• Tip: Encourage children to sing a short song while washing their hands to ensure they do it for long enough (approximately 20 seconds).

1. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth:

• Remind children not to put their hands on their faces, especially their eyes and mouth, while making slime.
• Tip: If slime gets into your eyes, rinse immediately with running water and seek medical advice if necessary.

1. Wash your hands afterwards:

• After playing with the slime, wash your hands again with soap and water to remove any glue or activator residue.
• Tip: Have a damp cloth on hand for quick cleaning during the activity.

Cleaning

1. Cleaning the work surface:

• After you finish making and playing with the slime, clean the work surface with a damp, soapy cloth.
• If there is slime residue, use warm water to soften it and make it easier to remove.
• Tip: Use a sponge or soft brush for difficult-to-clean areas.

1. Removing slime from hands and clothes:

• To remove slime from your hands, wash with warm soapy water, rubbing gently until all residue is removed.
• If slime gets on clothing, rinse the area with cold water to remove excess, then wash as normal.
• Tip: For stubborn stains, apply a little white vinegar to the area before washing.

1. Slime storage:

• Store the slime in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
• Identify the container with the manufacturing date to know when it was made and control durability.
• Tip: Keep slime out of reach of pets and small children when not in use.

By following these safety and cleaning guidelines, you can ensure that the slime making activity is safe and fun for everyone involved.

The science of slime

Slime is a perfect example of fun chemistry. White glue is made up of long polymers that intertwine when the activator is added, forming an elastic substance. The borax or saline solution acts as binding agents, creating bridges between the polymer chains and resulting in the slime's viscous texture.

Tips and tricks

• Perfect Texture: If the slime is too sticky, add more saline solution or borax little by little.
• Slime varieties: Try adding ingredients like shaving foam for fluffier slime or beads for a different texture.
• Conservation: Store the slime in an airtight container to make it last longer.

Conclusion

Making slime is a simple, fun and educational activity that can provide hours of entertainment. Try making slime at home with your children and discover the magic of chemistry in a practical and engaging activity.

Making slime at home is a fun and educational activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This guide has provided a detailed step-by-step guide to creating slime using simple, easily accessible materials. By following these instructions, you can try different recipes and techniques to create different textures and colors of slime, customizing the experience according to your preferences.

The practice of making slime not only stimulates creativity and curiosity, but also promotes fine motor skills and basic understanding of chemical reactions. Furthermore, it is an excellent way to spend time in a productive and engaging way, especially with family or friends.

Remember to always supervise children when making slime, ensuring that all materials are used safely. Experiment, have fun and explore the countless possibilities that slime offers, transforming a simple DIY project into unforgettable moments of learning and fun.