Kids, what is it about slime that captivates everyone? There are so many slime varieties available now that I challenge you to create your very own. Here are some examples to get your creative juices flowing.
Please note: All chemicals and experiments can entail an element of risk, and no experiments should be performed without proper adult supervision.
Chocolate slime
This is the ultimate edible slime! You need a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup, and 1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch. In a saucepan over low heat, stir the milk, syrup and cornstarch. Stir and heat until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let the slime cool. When you are finished playing with the chocolate slime, it can be stored in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for a day or two. Chocolate will stain some surfaces, so keep this slime away from clothing or furniture.
Translucent Ectoplasm Slime
You need 1 teaspoon soluble fiber (such as Metamucil psyllium), 1 cup water, food coloring and/or glow paint. Pour the water and fiber into a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stir, and microwave for another 3 minutes. Stir. If you want drier ectoplasm, microwave for 1-2 minutes. Add a drop of food coloring and/or glow paint. Interesting effects happen if you incompletely mix them, such as multicolored ectoplasm or ectoplasm slime with glowing streaks. Stored in a sealed baggie this will last for up to a week.
Electroactive Slime
This interesting slime reacts to electrical charge (like a charged balloon, plastic comb, or piece of styrofoam) as if it has a life of its own. You’ll need 3/4 c (175 ml) cornstarch, 2 c (475 ml) vegetable oil, a glass, and 1x6x6 inch styrofoam. Mix the cornstarch and vegetable oil in the glass. Refrigerate until chilled. Stir (separation is normal). Let it warm enough to flow. Charge a block of styrofoam by rubbing it on hair, carpet, or wool. Tip the container of slime. Place the charged styrofoam about an inch from the flowing slime. It should stop flowing and seem to gel! If you wiggle the styrofoam the slime may follow or pieces of it may break off. When the styrofoam is removed the slime will continue to flow. After use, refrigerate slime in a sealed container.
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Kathleen Carrado Gregar, PhD, Argonne National Labs
[email protected]
November 2011
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Reference:
These recipes, with photos, and others (such as Fruity Kool-Aid Slime, Edible Goo Slime, and tasty edible slime) can be found at: Anne Marie Helmenstine’s
http://chemistry.about.com/od/slimerecipes/tp/edible-slime-recipes.htm?nl=1
See the ChemShorts columns from April 1993, May & December 1994, February 2005, and January 2008 for similar ooey-gooey materials. They go into more detail about the chemistry behind the magic.
