One day on CNN 10 there was a story about "soft" robots. I thought they kind of looked like they were made of slime. I mentioned this and then asked if the students had ever made slime. They had not.
Oh, then we had to do this.
Like with the paper airplanes last week, this is not the sort of thing I would encourage in a general ed class. But these students are not those students.
It took me a couple weeks to acquire ingredients. And then I figured last Tuesday would be a good day to attempt the "experiment". I found a video online that described the process, and I showed it to them.
This video used acrylic paint to color the slime, and I was glad to see it as in the very cursory research I did before springing this project on them, I only saw them use food coloring. We did not have food coloring. But we had paint.
Jonas and Jennifer agreed they'd like to try blue slime. I had Jennifer pour out the glue. Then she added the water. I did the bit with the borax, and Jonas stirred.
It came together rather well, actually.
We put glitter in, but you can't really see it.
We offered some to Natalie. She wouldn't be bothered (as she was on her computer, so she was content). We offered some to Penelope, but she told us no. Yohana liked hers so much that it got all over her sweatshirt (oops).
Then Keyla offered some to Doris...
Doris remains outside and lately Keyla has been spending her days outside supervising her. So, I did not see what happened when Keyla took the slime to Doris. All I know is that Keyla returned a short time later, threw the rest of the slime (pictured above) into the trash, and told me I didn't want to know what Doris had done with it.
Okay, then.
Jonas and Jennifer put their slime into containers and took it home. I'm tempted to try the slime again, this time with less glue (as only a couple of them enjoyed the project) and different colors. But I don't think we'll have time to get to it.
Anyway, my curiosity is sated. I know how the thing works. And now they do, too.
I hope Doris didn't try to eat it!
ReplyDeleteYou know, that's entirely possible.
DeleteI can see that being a messy project...
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful activity! I love the "don't want to know..." bit!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's better not to know.
DeleteOh boy. But making the slime sounds like the backbone of a fun day at school. Plus, maybe they learned some science. Side note: borax is apparently really effective at killing ants.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter (6th grade, going into 7th) and her friends recently considered starting a slime empire where they made and sold slime to their classmates. She's got it down to an artform, mixing in all sorts of things like shaving cream for a fluffy version and lotion for scented slime, sometimes sand for texture. I've got a couple of gallons of white glue hanging out at home--my investment in her fledging business. She and her friends split $22 between them, so I guess there was some success.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, just google slime and there are all sorts of different recipes. Although, in the middle school classroom... I have horror stories.
DeleteOnce again sounds like it was an excellent idea.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting.
DeleteOh, slime … very popular when my kids were young.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was. I don't see it around as much anymore (which is a good thing).
DeleteLove it! Do you think any of them could handle knitting or crochet?
ReplyDeleteWell, now you've got me speculating as to just what Doris did with that slime. Great experiment, and it seemed that you engaged a few of those students.
ReplyDeleteUm, my 12yo is the master slime maker. She taught herself and makes multiple batches all colored to her liking. Her friends take theirs home in plastic bags. It's pretty cool to make!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, that seems to be the age when it takes.
DeleteBrave soul. You could've had slime everywhere!
ReplyDeleteI am a bit apprehensive when using glue, especially those having curing time.
ReplyDeleteWhat exactly do you do with slime?
ReplyDeleteNow that is a question for the students. It just kind of exists, as far as I know.
DeleteI shudder to think what Doris did. Nice project!
ReplyDeleteSorry I've been absent. I miss my lovely blogging friends but not struggling with sign-in issues. ~sigh~ Overall, I've been enjoying other hobbies and lost track of time. At least I know I am not addicted to the Internet. lol Be well!
The blogosphere will still be here. We all need time away, even if it's just because.
DeleteI have always said that teachers and day care workers deserve a special pat on the back for the jobs they do. Here is your special pat....I could not do what you do. You are awesome. As for slime, not making it!! I tried to keep my kids from stuff like that since I was the one that cleaned the house! lol...Now I know this is not the same but I have a container on my desk at work called Farp (I think) .....its like silly putty. But if you pull it out of the container, and push it back in you get a fart sound. I enjoyed doing that to the new guy (few yrs back) at work. I did it and said excuse me......then I busted out laughing.
ReplyDeleteI would not have attempted this with a class that would have made a mess. These students don't really. And I know they didn't take it home and make a mess. (It's still in the baggy I gave it to them in, and it's still in their backpacks.)
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