how to make slime without glue but with activator

( Note: If the slime is left untouched for a while, it may become crumbly. Ask, “Did the slime feel different when you squeezed it?” Learn more about Non-Newtonian fluids and see some cool experiments to try here ! Then, have them tightly squeeze the slime. Have your child rip off a fist-size ball of the slime and rest it in their hand. These types of fluids look and feel like liquid when they’re resting, but they become more solid when force is applied. Slime is an example of a non-Newtonian fluid.Water has low viscosity and flows quickly. It has high viscosity, meaning it flows (moves) very slowly because it’s so thick. Ask, “How does the water feel compared to the slime? Is it thinner and less squishy?” Slime is in between a liquid and a solid. Have them compare the slime to a liquid they’re familiar with, like water.As they hold the ends of the “worm” in each hand, have them extend their arms to see how far they can stretch it before it breaks.

Show them how to roll/twist the slime into a long worm or snake shape.

(See “Objects for play” above for more suggestions.)

Things like cups, child-safe cutlery, plastic toys with cool patterns and textures are all fun additions to sensory play.

Introduce tools and objects one at a time to boost their exploration of the slime.

Give your child time to explore the slime on their own - stretching, squeezing, dripping, pulling it apart, and putting it all back together.

If it’s crumbly, add 2-3 more drops of dish soap). It’ll have a consistency that’s between playdough and slime made with glue (if it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more cornstarch.

After about five minutes of mixing, the slime should be ready.

( Note: Food coloring can temporarily stain hands and permanently stain fabric.)

Squeeze a few drops of food coloring into the mixture and continue kneading/mixing.

Ask, “What do you see and feel happening as we mix? Are the ingredients changing?” Once the ingredients begin to clump, both you and your child can use your hands to continue kneading.

Mix the ingredients together with a spoon.

In a liquid measuring cup, measure ⅓ cup of dish soap and add it to the bowl.

Measure ½ cup of cornstarch and pour it into the mixing bowl.

Ask, “What does each ingredient feel like? Powdery, slippery, dry, gooey?”

Before mixing the ingredients together, invite your child to explore the cornstarch and the dish soap separately with their hands.

Objects for play: Plastic toys with patterns and textures plastic cups toy dolls and animals to make footprints strawberry baskets child-safe plastic/metal kitchen utensils colander etc.

Tray, plate, baking sheet, or plastic placemat to contain slime during play.

⅓ cup liquid dish soap (in a liquid measuring cup).

How to make slime without glue but with activator