Make Slime That Moves With Magnets!
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October 12, 2024 / DIY / STEM Activities / Marvelous Mechanics Motion / Ages 6 - 8 / Magnetic Slime
Can you imagine making slime "move"? This isn't magic, it's the power of science! In this experiment, you'll create a magical magnetic slime that moves as if enchanted, pulled by a magnet. Why does this unique slime react to magnets? Come and find out, exploring the mysteries of the magnetic world!
- Age: 6-8
- Time: Less than 30 minutes
- Mess Level: Messy
Materials Needed:
- Glue
- Borax solution (dissolve a small amount of borax in water)
- Water
- Iron powder
- Bowl and stirring stick
- Strong magnet (such as a neodymium magnet)
- Food colouring (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, pour an appropriate amount of glue (about 1/4 cup), add a little water (about 1/4 cup), and mix well.
- Slowly add the borax solution while stirring. You'll notice the mixture gradually thickening, forming the texture of slime. Continue stirring until the slime no longer sticks to your hands.
- Add iron powder to the mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons) and stir thoroughly to distribute the iron powder evenly throughout the mixture.
- Bring the strong magnet close to the slime and observe how the slime is attracted and pulled by the magnet. You'll see the slime "following" the magnet's movement, and it can even be lifted by the magnet.
If you want coloured slime, you can add a few drops of food colouring and mix thoroughly.
The Science Behind It:
In this experiment, we added a large amount of iron powder to the slime, so when you bring the magnet close to the slime, the iron powder is attracted by the magnetic field, causing the slime to "move" and be pulled by the magnet. This experiment demonstrates how magnetic materials can move and deform under the influence of a magnetic field.
You can try using different magnets, changing the amount of iron powder, or letting the slime cover the magnet to see how it reacts. Record these changes and think about the results under different experimental conditions.
