Glow in the dark slime is a captivating sensory activity. Adding a glow in the dark element takes the slime experience to a whole new level. My daughter really enjoyed making this one. We decided to add chunky glow in the dark glitter to our slime. Before deciding which color to add, we gathered them all up and ran into the darkest room of the house - a tiny closet. We squeezed in together and lined up all the glitter options to pick the best one to add to our slime. We both loved how well the pink glitter glowed and contrasted with our green glow powder. After we finished making the slime and activated it with light, we ran back to that same closet and had a blast. The tutorial below will guide you through the steps of creating your very own glow in the dark slime. But first, let's dive into how this slime gets it's glowing effect.
Glow Powder and Phosphorescence
Glow powder contains phosphors, which are substances that exhibit a phenomenon called phosphorescence. When exposed to light, the phosphors absorb and store energy from the photons. This energy is temporarily trapped within the phosphors, putting the electrons in an excited state. When the light source is removed, the trapped energy is slowly released in the form of light, creating a mesmerizing glow effect.
There are a couple options on how to achieve phosphorescent slime. My preference is to use glow powder rather than glow paint. Here are a few reasons:
Consistent Glow: When mixed into slime, glow powder disperses evenly and results in a consistent glow throughout the slime. It provides a uniform illumination, giving your slime an enchanting appearance.
Longer and Intense Glow: Glow powder often offers a longer and more intense glow compared to glow paint. The phosphors in the powder can store more energy, leading to a prolonged glow effect even after the lights are turned off.
Customization: Glow powder comes in various colors, allowing you to customize the appearance of your slime. You can mix different powders to create unique shades or experiment with different glow powder combinations for a personalized touch.
Now that we understand the science behind glow powder and its benefits, let's proceed with the step-by-step process of making glow-in-the-dark slime.
The Science of Slime
Did you know that slime is created by a fascinating chemical reaction? Understanding the science behind slime-making can add an extra layer of excitement to kids' slime-making activities. Let's take a closer look at how this transformation unfolds.
The primary ingredient responsible for slime's texture is a polymer called polyvinyl acetate (PVA), found in common school glue. When you mix the glue with a slime activator, usually a liquid containing borate ions like borax, saline solution, or liquid starch, a unique chemical reaction occurs.
During the mixing process, the borate ions in the activator solution crosslink the polymer chains in the glue, creating a network of long, interconnected strands. This process is known as crosslinking polymerization. As a result, the once runny and liquid glue transforms into a stretchy, semi-solid substance we know as slime.
The crosslinks between the polymer chains give slime its unique properties. When pressure is applied to slime, these crosslinks allow the material to stretch and deform. However, when the pressure is released, the crosslinks pull the material back together, giving slime its ability to return to its original shape.
But what makes slime feel slimy? It's all about the water. Slime is a non-Newtonian fluid, which means its viscosity and flow properties change depending on the applied force. The glue in slime contains water, and as you mix in the activator, it helps trap the water molecules between the polymer chains. This water contributes to the slippery and slimy sensation when you touch or play with slime.
As your kids make slime, encourage them to observe the changes that occur during the mixing process. Discuss the transformation of the glue from a liquid state to a slimy substance, and the role the activator plays in facilitating the chemical reaction. By understanding the science behind slime, your children can gain a deeper appreciation for the chemistry.
Remember, safety is key when conducting any science experiment. Always ensure adult supervision. Some slime recipes use potentially hazardous ingredients like borax, so always opt for safer alternatives such as saline solution or liquid starch.
So, as you dive into slime-making, explore the chemical reactions at play, and nurture the curiosity and scientific inquiry of your little ones. Let the exploration begin, and may your slime adventures be as educational as they are enjoyable!
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You will need:
1/2 cup clear Elmer's glue
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
12 grams glow powder (or about 1/2 Tablespoon)
Optional: 1/2 T clear dish soap*
Optional: 1 T glow in the dark chunky glitter
1 T saline solution (not contact solution)
Step 1: Let’s Get Started
Pour 1/2 cup of clear Elmer's glue into a mixing bowl. Add in 12 grams, or about 1/2 Tablespoon, of glow powder. Wash off excess glue from measuring tools before it has a chance to dry.
Step 2: Prepare the water
Add 1/2 cup of warm water to a measuring cup. Measure out 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and mix in the warm water until fully dissolved. If you are using soap to add extra stretch, slowly mix in 1/2 Tablespoon of dish soap until the mixture is uniform. Don't whisk too quickly here or you'll introduce foam from the soap.
Step 3: Combine ingredients
Slowly pour the warm water with dissolved baking soda into the bowl with the glue and glow powder. Mix together until uniform.
Step 4: Add the activator
Measure out 1 Tablespoon of saline solution. It's important to use saline solution rather than contact solution, because it has a higher concentration of boric acid and sodium borate. Contact solution would likely require a larger volume. Slowly pour the saline solution into your glue mixture while briskly stirring. The mixture will start to gel immediately as the saline solution reacts with the glue to form the polymer.
Step 5: Mix and knead
After the saline solution has been added, continue mixing. The slime will be very sticky at this point. Once it starts lifting from the sides of the bowl, you can start kneading it thoroughly with your hands. It will still be very sticky! Stretch and mix together for 5-10 min until the slime gets firmer and less sticky. If after 10 minutes the slime is still not to your desired consistency, then add a little more saline solution. But remember, adding too much will make your slime too hard. I recommend only adding an additional teaspoon at a time followed by 5 minutes of mixing before deciding to add more.
Step 5: Expose slime to light
You have made slime! Enjoy the slime as is or feel free to add in more glow powder or other glow in the dark add-ins at this point. To activate the phosphorescence, expose the slime to light for several minutes before taking it into the dark. After you are finished playing with the slime, but sure to store it in an airtight container. If you keep it clean and store it properly it can last for several weeks.
*Note about the dish soap
The dish soap is not a necessary ingredient, but I have found it adds extra stretch which I like. However it will introduce more air and make the slime cloudier initially. It will also take more time to clear out the bubbles when adding soap.
Enjoy your glow in the dark slime!
Making glow in the dark slime with glow powder is a fantastic way to engage in sensory play and create mesmerizing effects. For extra add-ins to your slime, try these glow in the dark beads or sequins to get more texture with different glowing colors. By following these simple steps, you can unleash your creativity and enjoy the glow of your homemade slime.
