How to Make Glue Goop

Mix white glue with Borax to make glue goop.

Learn about the characteristics of polymers and have some messy fun at the same time by making glue goop. Similar to the slime found in toy stores, homemade glue goop is also known as flubber, gak and oobleck. Mix plain white glue with borax, a laundry additive available next to the detergents and fabric softeners in the grocery store, to create an inexpensive, educational science project. Store leftover goop in a plastic zipper bag after use and return to play with it later.

Things You'll Need

• 8 oz. bottle white glue
• Glass or plastic mixing bowl
• Food coloring
• Plastic cup
• 1 tsp. borax powder
• Plastic spoon

Instructions

1. Pour the contents of an 8 oz. bottle of white glue into a glass or plastic mixing bowl. Add three drops of food coloring.

2. Pour 1 cup of warm tap water into the bowl with the glue and stir the mixture with a plastic spoon for 30 seconds.

3. Fill a plastic cup with 1/2 cup of warm water. Add 1 tsp. of borax powder and stir the mixture well. The borax may not dissolve completely, but it will still work.

4. Gradually pour the borax water into the bowl with the glue mixture. Stir until the mixture becomes too thick to use a spoon.

5. Reach into the bowl and mix the remainder of the borax water into the glue mixture with your hands. Squeeze the mass between your fingers and watch it take on the properties of slime.

References

• Science Bob: Make Your Own Slime
• Steve Spangler Science: GAK -- Elmer's Glue Borax Recipe

Resources

• Cooks: Recipes: Make Goop