Things You'll Need
Elmer's Glue-All (8-ounce container)
Borax
Water
Food coloring
Bowl
Measuring cup
Spoon
Plastic storage bag
Head into the kitchen with a few basic ingredients and show kids how to make a homemade Silly Putty solution out of white glue and Borax. Not only is this an enjoyable activity, but children can also learn a lesson about polymer materials and how molecules work in polymers. When you are done making the Silly Putty and learning all about the chemical processes, kids can then have fun molding and shaping their concoctions.
Step 1
Open the glue bottle and pour the entire contents into the bowl. Add warm water to the empty glue bottle, replace the lid and shake it for several seconds. Open the glue bottle again and pour this warm water into the bowl. Stir the glue and water well.
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Step 2
Place two or three drops of food coloring into the glue-and-water mixture and stir the food coloring in.
Step 3
Pour 1/2 cup of warm water into the measuring cup. Measure a teaspoon of Borax and sprinkle this on top of the warm water. Stir this mixture well.
Step 4
Add the Borax water slowly to the glue mixture in the bowl, stirring as you pour. After adding approximately half of the Borax mixture, set the spoon aside and begin to mix the concoction with your hands.
Step 5
Continue kneading the concoction with your hands and adding the Borax water. After the water is all added, knead until you have the desired consistency.
Step 6
Shape and mold the mixture as desired and place it in the plastic bag to store.