Making slime is a fun science experiment for kids, and can provide for hours of sensory play afterward. Adding things to slime can extend that play time. Make this fun water bead slime for science and sensory play. It's perfect for keeping them busy on a rainy indoor day!
Water Bead Slime
Water Bead Slime Supplies
To make water bead slime, you need some basic slime ingredients and a few tools.
- Elmer’s Clear Glue
- Sta Flo Liquid Starch
- Water beads
- Water
- Two small mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Craft Trays
- Small airtight containers with lids
If your kids enjoy making slime like my kids do, go ahead and buy the bigger container of clear glue. Watch Amazon for sales on the 32 ounce bottle of Elmer's Clear Glue. I can often get one of these for less than the cost of three or four of the five ounce bottles!
Water Beads Slime Instructions
***PRO TIP*** You need to decide if you're using your water beads in their dehydrated state or if you're going to pre-hydrate them. Read the re-hydration instructions on your water beads. Some take 4-6 hours to hydrate. If you add dehydrated water beads to your slime mixture, they will absorb their moisture from the slime. You *may* want to pre-hydrate them for this fun experiment. If you've already told your kids that you're making water bead slime and have to use dehydrated water beads, you'll need to re-hydrate the slime at some point (ask me how I know this :D). You can do this by adding a bit of water to the slime, a tablespoon at a time, and kneading until it's restored to the desired consistency. If you choose to pre-hydrate your water beads (look at you, aren't you clever) add water per package instructions and set aside until ready.
Okay, now that the water beads question is answered, it's time to get started!
- Gather all of your supplies.
- In a small bowl, combine a half cup of clear glue with a half cup of water. Stir until mixed through.
- Add water beads to the bowl and mix well.
- Add a half cup of Sta Flow to the bowl and stir quickly.
- If your slime is too sticky, add a bit more liquid starch. I like to use only a half tablespoon to tablespoon at a time at this stage.
- Continue to stir until the mix pulls away from the sides of the bowl.Take the slime out of the bowl and finish mixing it with your hands.
When your slime is the desired consistency, enjoy the sensory play.
*optional* add water beads to a craft tray, and use the slime to “pick them up.”
