How to Make Your Own “Ghostbusters” Slime!

how-to-make-your-own-ghostbusters-slime<p>Are you afraid of ghosts? With the new Ghostbusters movie coming to theaters this weekend, what better way to celebrate than to make our very own slime? That's right, we're going to make goopy, sticky, slimy green gunk! We won't be regurgitating it all over people (it isn't edible!), but it is a fun experiment!</p> <p>This slime recipe is made of borax, water, and Elmer's Glue. Borax is made of sodium tetraborate, and is commonly used as a laundry booster. When it is combined with polyvinyl-acetate adhesives, like Elmer's Glue, the polymers cross-link and create a non-Newtonian fluid.</p> <h3>What is Non-Newtonian Fluid?</h3> <p>Before we dive into non-Newtonian fluids, let's first talk about Newtonian fluids. Imagine a squirt gun full of water. If you press the trigger gently, the water will squirt out equally gently. If you want a faster stream, you press the trigger harder, and the water will squirt out harder. This is a characteristic of Newtonian fluids. The viscosity, or thickness, of the water responds directly with how much force is put on it.</p> <p>Non-Newtonian fluids don't follow this pattern. They don't respond to resisting forces like you expect them to. Some, like ketchup, get more fluid with more force, while others, like the slime we're going to make today, get thicker instead. For a quick and fun experiment with non-Newtonian fluids, mix some cornstarch with water until you get a runny liquid. Then smack your spoon on the surface of the gloop. Instead of splattering everywhere like you would expect from water or other Newtonian fluids, the mixture will actually stiffen!</p> <p>Our Ghostbusters slime is another non-Newtonian fluid. It flows under low stresses, but breaks under higher pressure. So if you gently pull it, it will stretch and ooze. But if you try quickly yanking it apart with both hands, it will snap in half instead of just stretching out. This makes a great science project for kids. They will love the slimy ooziness of the goop, and will also learn a thing or two about physics!</p> <h3>Ghost Slime</h3> <p>Ingredients:</p> <ul> <li> ½ cup of Elmer's Glue<br /> White glue will make opaque slime; clear glue will make clear slime</li> <li> ¼-1 tsp. borax</li> <li>1 cup of water</li> <li>Food coloring, if desired</li> </ul> <p>Equipment:</p> <ul> <li>Two <a href=https://www.containerandpackaging.com/catalog/mason-jars/74/#7387>Mason jars</a></li> <li>Spoons for stirring</li> <li><a href=https://www.containerandpackaging.com/catalog/plastic-scoops/24/#7480>Measuring cups or scoops</a></li> </ul> <ol> <li>In one Mason jar, measure ½ cup of water. Add drops of food color to achieve your desired shade of awesomeness.</li> <li>Stir the glue into colored water.</li> <li>Put the remaining ½ cup of water into the second Mason jar. Mix borax into the water. More borax will make your slime stiffer, so decide if you want runny or thick goop, and measure accordingly. Stir the borax until it is nicely dissolved.</li> <li>Pour your colored glue/water into the borax/water mixture and stir. Dump it out onto your work surface and kneed it for a bit to work it together.</li> <li>Store your finished slime in a clean, dry container, and have fun for days doing whatever it is you do with slime!</li> </ol> <p>Good luck with your slime science experiment! It will give you and your kids something fun to play with for hours!</p>