Erosion Slime Glaciers
Activity Developed by the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History
Description/Learning goals:
Collecting ethics
Observations – where are the rocks? Get outside and find rocks
Life science – connections between biotic and abiotic world.
Physical science
Erosion – water always wins…
Classification/sorting
Sensory exploration
Supplies:
- Elmer’s Glue (5oz. bottle)
- Borax
- Water
- Two bowls
- Plastic tub
- Sand, small rocks, plastic animals or toys (optional)
Activity Instructions:
Pour the bottle of glue into a bowl.
Use the glue bottle to measure 1.5 bottles of warm water into the glue.
Mix 1 teaspoon of Borax into ½ cup of water, and slowly add the mixture to the glue, stirring as you add. You may not need to use the entire borax mixture.
Stir until the slime is the thickness you want it. Knead the slime until it’s mixed well. If it’s still too sticky, add more borax solution.
Create your “glacier mountain.” Place a book or two under one side of the plastic tub so that the tub is at an angle.
Place sand, rocks, or plastic toys in the tub along the entire base.
Put your glacier goop at the top of the tub, and let sit for a few hours. Which items do you think will be eroded away by the goop? You could also try this experiment using water. Does water or the slime move more things?