I had the idea to make this bubbling slime experiment into a witches brew with googly eyes to add a bit of creep factor to this fun science project for kids. Although it was meant to just be a classic science project, it ended up as a STEM activity because our first version of these Halloween slime recipes didn’t work and we had to figure out why!
Although some people might see an activity that goes wrong as a failure, activities that don’t quite work are actually a great way to teach critical thinking and problem solving to kids. Children can learn to analyze the situation, identify potential issues, and come up with creative solutions.
In the case of our bubbling slime experiment, we discovered that the proportions of the ingredients were off. The addition of googly eyes not only added a spooky touch, but also allowed us to explore the concept of sensory play and encourage imaginative storytelling.
If you’re looking for a super-simple Halloween activity to do with your kids, try this slime fun activity and make bubbling slime eye of toad witches brew!
How The Bubbling Slime Experiment Works
The bubbling slime experiment is not only a fun Halloween activity, but also a valuable educational opportunity to learn about chemical reactions and the principles of acids and bases.
Kids can witness firsthand how different substances interact and observe the formation of carbon dioxide gas, creating an exciting visual effect.
This hands-on experience fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, while allowing kids to have a blast with slime and Halloween-themed fun.
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Baking soda is a base (NaHCO3) and vinegar is an acid (HCH3COO). When bases and acids mix, they try to neutralize each other. The byproduct of this reaction is the gas carbon dioxide.
The slime make the reaction seem cooler because you can see the gas bubbles rise to the surface.
Despite the intial “failure,” this bubbling slime recipe has become one of our favorite Halloween STEM activities!
Where Our Bubbling Slime Experiment Went Wrong
At first, we had our bubbling slime inside a mason jar.
We had a layer of baking soda and a layer of slime on the top.
However, the slime was so thick that the bubbles remained trapped under the weight of the slime and it wasn’t reacting as much as we wanted it to.
When we moved the whole project into a shallow container, it worked much better.
However, after our bubbling witches brew potion experiment, Monkey put the slime back in the mason jar with the baking soda and stirred it up.
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It started to foam and rise out of the container like a baking soda volcano. The slime looked like it was breathing, which Monkey thought was appropriately creepy for Halloween.
We discussed how we also release carbon dioxide when we breathe. There is more than one way to try every experiment! That’s what makes STEM activities so cool.
Follow along with the recipe below and you can make the improved version of our boiling slime recipe for Halloween!
The Best Materials for Making Slime
Here is what you need to make every basic slime recipe on STEAMsational!
What you need to make eye of toad slime:
If you can’t tell yet, we love slime recipes. Slime fun is definitely one of our favorite types of fun!
Here is what you need to make this Halloween slime recipe. Affiliate links included for your convenience.
How to do the Bubbling Slime Experiment this Halloween
Follow along with the printable instructions below to learn how to make your own bubbling slime experiment.
How to Make Spooky Bubbling Slime
If you're looking for a super-simple Halloween activity to do with your kids, try this slime fun activity and make bubbling slime eye of toad witches brew!
Materials
- Elmer's clear glue
- Biodegradable glitter
- Soap dye
- Liquid laundry starch
- Pirate coins, jewels, and treasure
- Pirate treasure box (optional)
Tools
- Measuring cups
- Spoon
- Bowl
- Airtight container
Instructions
Day 1
Make your slime by mixing about 3 teaspoons of Xanthan gum in 3 cups of vinegar.
Add the food coloring.
Stir until most of the large clumps are out.
The mixture will thicken right away, but it will still look lumpy.
Place the mixture in the refrigerator overnight.
Day 2
Mix the slime mixture with a whisk until the lumps are gone. It shouldn't take more than a minute or two of stirring.
Spread about a 1/4 inch layer of baking soda into your shallow pan.
Pour the slime over the baking soda and sprinkle the googly eyes on top.
Watch the witches brew start to bubble up and "boil" the eyes as the baking soda reacts with the vinegar and releases carbon dioxide into the air.
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Need help with this project? Get live support in STEAMsational’s Teaching Science and STEM group!