Skip to main content
HomeExperimentsSpinning Galaxy Slime Challenge
Back to Experiments
๐Ÿงฌ
๐Ÿงช ChemistryEasy

Spinning Galaxy Slime Challenge

5 minutes 6 materials Ages 5-12

โš ๏ธ Safety Warning

Do not eat slime. Wash hands after playing. Some children may have skin sensitivity to borax โ€” use contact lens solution and baking soda as alternatives.

All experiments require adult supervision.

Materials You'll Need

Gather these 6 items before starting

๐Ÿ’ก White school glue or glue stick.
๐Ÿ’ก Make sure this item is clean and ready before starting.
๐Ÿ’ก Make sure this item is clean and ready before starting.
๐Ÿ’ก Make sure this item is clean and ready before starting.
๐Ÿ’ก Any mixing bowl from your kitchen will work.
๐Ÿ’ก A regular tablespoon or teaspoon works fine.

๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Check off items as you gather them to stay organized!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these 8 steps carefully

1

For this spinning version, pour one bottle of white school glue into a mixing bowl.

๐Ÿฅ„Tip: Stir gently but thoroughly until well combined.
2

Add purple and blue acrylic paint and stir until the color is deep and galaxy-like.

๐Ÿฅ„Tip: Stir gently but thoroughly until well combined.
3

Add generous amounts of different colored glitter โ€” silver, blue, and purple work great.

4

Slowly add liquid starch, one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously.

๐Ÿฅ„Tip: Stir gently but thoroughly until well combined.
5

Keep adding starch and kneading until the slime pulls away from the bowl sides.

โœ‹Tip: Keep a steady hand. Ask someone to help if needed.
6

Knead the slime with your hands until it reaches the perfect stretchy consistency.

7

Make a second batch with black paint and swirl the two colors together for a galaxy effect!

โญInfo: You're doing great! Keep following the steps carefully.
8

Store in an airtight container when not playing.

โœ… Remember: Take your time with each step and ask an adult for help if needed!

The Science Behind It ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Slime is a non-Newtonian fluid, which means it does not behave like normal liquids. The glue contains a polymer called polyvinyl acetate (PVA) โ€” long chain-like molecules. When you add liquid starch (borax solution), it creates cross-links between these polymer chains, forming a flexible network. This is why slime can flow like a liquid when you let it sit, but feels solid when you squeeze it quickly. Scientists call this viscoelastic behavior โ€” it has properties of both liquids and solids! This variation explores the concept further by introducing new variables and measurements.