Ocean Cleanup with Slime

Encourage your students to clean up the waters.

Supplies Needed

  • 5 fl. oz. Elmer’s® Color Glue in Blue
  • ½ tbsp. baking soda
  • 1 tbsp. contact lens solution
  • Bowl
  • Mixing utensils

  • Measuring spoons

  • Plastic lids, small cups, and other material
  • SciShow’s YouTube video, “How Can We Clean Up the Oceans?”

Instructions

  1. Start by watching SciShow’s video “How Can We Clean Up the Oceans?”
  2. To make your Ocean Slime, pour the entire bottle of Elmer’s® Color Glue into the bowl. Add ½ tbsp. of baking soda and mix thoroughly. Then add 1 tbsp. of contact lens solution and mix until solution gets thick and slime begins to form.
  3. Take out the slime and begin kneading it with both hands. If needed, add another ¼ tbsp. of contact lens solution to make the slime less sticky.
  4. Put your slime in a large clear container. Then add your plastic pieces to the slime.
  5. Talk to your students about the video and how these objects represent different types of pollution in the ocean. As your students dig out all the items from the slime to clean it up, have them come up with ideas and solutions for ways to improve water pollution.

* Adult supervision is required; this project is not appropriate for children under the age of 3 years. Always wash your hands before and after making and playing with slime. Warning: If large quantities of contact lens solution are accidentally ingested (greater than a tablespoon), get medical attention immediately.

* Some contact solution brands work better than others. Check out the Slime Tips section at elmers.com/slime for details.