Good weather is coming, so we can take the opportunity to do our experiments outdoors. As well as being more fun, we can further explore each experiment without worrying about what we make dirty at home.

Today, we are going to make some crazy slime. This experiment, as well as being great fun and sensory, allows us to explore the topic of viscosity and non-Newtonian fluids.

For this experiment we need:
– Cornstarch flour;
– Bowl
– Tablespoon;
-Water;
– Colourings (optional)
– Measuring cup

Step-by-step:

1 – Add 5 full tablespoons of cornstarch in a cup;

2 – In the measuring cup put 50ml of water and add to it a few drops of colouring. The colouring is optional, but it allows the dough to become colourful. You can even create different coloured doughs.

3 – Finally, add the water to the flour and mix well with your hands until you form a dough.

Note: If the dough is too dry you can add more water, and if it is too liquid you can add more cornstarch;

With the dough now formed you can see that if you stir it slowly it behaves like a liquid, but on the contrary, if you give it a hard shake it feels like a solid dough. This crazy slime is a non-Newtonian fluid. This means that it behaves in the opposite way to normal fluids – the more form applied the stiffer it gets.

This experiment, as well as exploring cause and effect relationships, is also very sensory, helping to develop motor co-ordination and creativity. And what could be better than letting the little scientists get hands-on?

In the toy “My first science kit“ for 4 year olds, you can find this and other super fun experiments ideal for introducing the world of science to children.