Here is a recipe for making the coolest, most fool-proof slime - it's just like the store-bought variety! Making slime is a great way for kids to explore the science of polymers and non-Newtonian fluids - and it's just plain old fun!
What You Will Need:
- 1 tablespoon Metamucil or Psyllium Husk (from a health food store)
- 1-1/4 cups Water
- Food Coloring
- Measuring Cup and Spoons
- Jar with Lid
- Large Glass Microwave-Safe Container
- Resealable Plastic Bag
What You Do:
- Combine the Metamucil or psyllium and water in a jar. Seal the jar tightly and shake it vigorously for several minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a glass microwave-safe container and add a few drops of food coloring (green or blue are really cool).
- Put the container in the microwave, then have an adult set the microwave on high for three minutes. Watch the mixture carefully, and press STOP when the liquid begins to ooze out of the container. Do not remove from the microwave!
- Wait for three minutes, then microwave again for five more minutes. Have an adult remove the container - be careful, it will be hot.
- After an hour, your Ultimate Slime should be cool enough to play with.
- When you are done playing, store your slime in a resealable plastic bag so it doesn't dry out.
The Science:
Metamucil contains psyllium husk, which is rich in soluble fiber. When mixed with water, the soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance due to its polymer structure. Polymers are long, repeating chains of molecules that can absorb and retain large amounts of water, creating a stretchy and flexible material.
The heating process in the microwave causes the water molecules to move rapidly, allowing them to interact more effectively with the psyllium husk fibers. As the mixture heats, the fibers swell and intertwine, forming a gel network that traps water within its structure. This gelation process is what gives the slime its unique texture.
Metamucil slime exhibits non-Newtonian behavior, meaning it doesn't follow the typical rules of viscosity that Newtonian fluids (like water) do. When you apply pressure to the slime, it behaves more like a solid, and when you release the pressure, it flows like a liquid. This is due to the structure of the polymer network, which can rearrange itself under different forces.
