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The Science of Slime!

In this one hour class students will learn about why slime is so...slimy, and then make a batch to play with.
Michele Murray
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(62)
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
1 in-class hours

Class Experience

In this one hour live class we will be focusing on polymer slimes (those made with glue) and oobleck (cornstarch and water).  We will begin by learning about non-Newtonian fluids, polymers, and what happens on the molecular level when the activator is added to a polymer slime.  We will then make a batch of polymer slime together.  Once we've played with our slime a little, we will make some oobleck and compare the consistencies and properties of the two non-Newtonian fluids.

NOTE:  This is a messy class!  Also, kids in the lower age range may require parental assistance to stir.

Learning Goals

Students will learn about non-Newtonian fluids, polymers, and cross-linking of molecules.  Students will practice following a recipe to make slime.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
The slime we are making is not edible. The recipe used includes an activator that is made with borax. Borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate) can cause irritation of eyes, skin, and respiratory tract if it comes into contact with these organs. I use a solution of 1 tsp borax mixed with 1 cup of water. Gloves are encouraged if using borax. If preferred, this activator can be replaced with contact lens solution (contains boric acid) + a baking soda solution. Information about this option will be given with the materials.
Supply List
If you want to follow along and make slime, you will need:
- a bowl
- a spoon to stir the mixture
- 1 cup of white PVA glue ("school glue"...Amazon sells a 1 gallon jug for about $18)
- food colouring
- optional add-ins (lotion, glitter, modeling clay, shaving foam, beads)
- approx 6 Tbsp "activator"

For the activator
Option 1: Mix together 1 cup of warm water and 1 tsp powdered borax

Option 2: 
1. Mix together 1/2 cup of warm water and 2 tsp baking soda
2. Buy a bottle of contact lens solution - DON'T MIX the contact lens solution and baking soda solution together.  

For the Oobleck:
- a disposable container like a foil baking pan
- approximately 1 cup cornstarch
- water
- food colouring
- spoon
 1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2020
4.9
62reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
NOTE:  I will not be offering any Fall 2021 classes because I am heading back into the classroom in person.  Stay tuned for any Winter 2022 offerings.

Hello!  
I am passionate about teaching and learning.  I believe that everyone, at any age can learn anything!  Learning is exciting, and I am continuously filling my well of curiosity with new information about things that interest me.

I have taught kids from kindergarten to grade 12, as well as young adults in university.  I have also homeschooled my three kids and they have taken classes on Outschool.  

I hold degrees in Education, a Master’s in Physical Geography and a Bachelor's in Environmental Science. I teach classes in science, geography and math. 

I love textile art and can often been found sewing, knitting, felting, or weaving.  My next big project is figuring out how to make shoes!  I am also fluent in French and love traveling to francophone areas.

Reviews

Live One-Time Class
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$12

per class
Meets once
60 min

Completed by 34 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
3-5 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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