Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities have a large impact on children. STEM focuses on hands-on learning which helps children develop STEM skills including problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, decision making, and many more. It is never to early to teach these skills which are important not only now, but in the future. Try this STEM activity at your next meeting!
Important Information to consider before doing this activity.
- Neodymium magnets are extremely strong! Fingers can easily get pinched when trying to separate the magnets. Be sure to keep the magnets away from cell phones, computer, and other electronics.
- Iron oxide powder is not good to breathe. Therefore, the iron is mixed in with the glue. Wear a mask when working with this powder.
- Iron oxide powder is available from a variety of online sources.
- Neodymium magnets are available from a variety of online sources.
Magnetic Slime
You will need:
- Liquid starch
- Elmer’s glue
- Iron Oxide powder (wear a mask)
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic spoons
- ¼ Cup for measuring
- 1 Tablespoon for measuring
- 1/8 cup for measuring
- A neodymium (rare earth) magnet, regular magnets aren’t strong enough
What to do:
- In a mixing bowl add ¼ cup glue and 2 Tbsp iron oxide powder. Stir.
- Pour in 1/8 cup liquid starch.
- Stir the mixture well, the starch will react with the glue and slime will form.
- Use your hands to knead the slime. If it is too sticky add more starch.
- Use your magnet and play with the slime.
The Ohio 4-H Cloverbud Engineering Adventure (formerly known as Cloverbot Challenge) gives 4-H Cloverbuds the opportunity to work cooperatively in teams to problem-solve using STEM (science, engineering, technology and math) skills. A new theme is selected each year and teams research a topic, build a working model of their solution to the engineering issue and create a poster to illustrate their findings. Teams present their models and findings to a team of reviewers at one of the Showcase events, learn about other Cloverbuds’ projects, participate in age-appropriate STEM activities and are recognized at a closing celebration. Watch this short video to learn more about the Cloverbud Engineering Adventure: