Color Changing Slime

Did you know that you can make your own slime that can change colors based on the temperature? Try out this super awesome STEAM activity at home.

You’ll need: 1/4 cup white school glue, 1 tablespoon of water, 3 teaspoons of thermochromic pigment, 1/4 cup liquid starch and food coloring

Instructions:

1. Choose two colors for the color scheme of your slime. The color you choose for the thermochromic pigment will be the color of the slime when it’s cold, and the opposing color you choose of food coloring will be the slime’s color when it’s hot.
2. Pour the 1/4 cup of glue into a bowl and then add your water. Stir until combined.
3. Add 3 teaspoons of thermochromic pigment and mix thoroughly.
4. Add 1/8 cup of liquid starch and mix until you get a thick consistency.
5. Knead the slime with your hands and then mix again to make sure all of the glue is completely mixed in. If your slime is still sticky, add more starch and knead the slime until it is no longer sticky.
6. Play away! Try putting your slime on an ice pack, a hot coffee cup or even breathe on it to see it change colors!

The Science Behind It:

The thermochromic pigment in this slime is what causes it to change colors. Thermochromic materials like mood rings change color based on changes in temperature. Liquid crystals and leuco dyes are the two main types of thermochromic materials. When the temperature of the crystals changes, the crystals move apart which causes light to refract at different wavelengths, and these different wavelengths create different colors. As for the leuco dyes, the temperature changes cause changes in the molecular structure of the dye. One form portrays a color and the other is colorless.

Sponsored by National Grid.