Magnetic Slime Science Experiment
Add iron oxide powder to slime to make it respond to magnets — watch it stretch, reach, and crawl toward a magnet like a living creature.
What You'll Need
- 1White school glue (1/2 cup)
- 2Contact lens solution (with boric acid)
- 3Iron oxide powder (2 tablespoons)
- 4Strong neodymium magnet
- 5Disposable gloves
- 6Tray
- 7Food coloring (optional)
What You'll Need
White school glue (1/2 cup)
Contact lens solution (must contain boric acid)
Iron oxide powder (2 tablespoons — available online or at art supply stores)
A strong neodymium magnet
Disposable gloves
A tray
How to Play
Make basic slime: mix glue with contact lens solution until it forms a stretchy ball.
Flatten the slime on a tray.
Wearing gloves, sprinkle iron oxide powder over the slime.
Knead thoroughly until the slime is uniformly dark gray.
Shape into a blob on the tray.
Hold a neodymium magnet near the slime — not touching, just close.
Watch it reach, stretch, and crawl toward the magnet. It looks alive.
Tips
Iron oxide powder stains everything. Wear gloves and work on a disposable surface.
Neodymium magnets are extremely strong. Keep them away from electronics, credit cards, and younger siblings.
The slime responds because iron oxide is ferromagnetic — the iron particles align with the magnetic field.
Try pulling the magnet slowly away — the slime follows. Move it in circles and the slime rotates.
This is genuinely advanced science your child can research further: ferromagnetism, magnetic fields, and non-Newtonian fluids combined.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 25 min, with 10 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: white school glue (1/2 cup), contact lens solution (with boric acid), iron oxide powder (2 tablespoons), strong neodymium magnet, disposable gloves, and 2 more items.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is a more challenging activity that may require advance preparation, special materials, or closer supervision. The extra effort is worth it for the learning experience!
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