Fun with Slime

Curriculum Area and Level

Subject: Science
UK Curriculum Area: Understanding the World – The Natural World
Level: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

This lesson supports EYFS learning goals by encouraging children to explore materials, observe changes, and develop curiosity about the properties of substances.

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Lesson Overview

Objective:
Children will explore how materials change by making slime using cornflour and water. They will observe the transformation from a powder and liquid into a non-Newtonian fluid.

Lesson Duration: 15 minutes
Class Size: 23 Reception Children

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Resources Needed

• Cornflour (approximately 2 cups per group)
• Water (around 1 cup per group)
• Small mixing bowls (1 per group)
• Spoons (for stirring, optional)
• Tray or plastic covering (to minimise mess)
• Paper towels (for cleaning hands)

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (3 minutes) – “What happens when we mix things?”

• Gather the children in a circle.
• Show them dry cornflour and let them describe what they see and feel. Example prompts:
  • "What does this look like?"
  • "How does it feel if you touch it?"
• Add a little water slowly and ask what they think might happen. Encourage curiosity!

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2. Hands-On Experiment (7 minutes) – “Let’s Make Slime!”

1. Place children in small groups (2-3 per group).
2. Each group receives a bowl with cornflour.
3. Slowly add water while children mix. Guide them to:
   • Observe how it changes as they mix.
   • Notice how it feels hard when they press it and runny when they lift their hands.
4. Let them explore by squeezing, poking, and running their fingers through the slime.

Key Questioning:

• "Why is it sometimes hard and sometimes runny?"
• "What do you think would happen if we added more water?"

(Tip: Relate this to everyday changes, e.g., making porridge or mixing sand and water at the beach.)

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3. Discussion & Clean-Up (5 minutes) – “What Did We Learn?”

• Talk About It: Gather back as a class and ask:
  • "Was this a liquid or a solid? Or both?"
  • "What new words can we use to describe it?" (Sticky, gooey, squishy)
• Quick Science Chat: Explain that this type of slime is called a Non-Newtonian Fluid, because it changes when we touch it fast or slow.
• Clean-Up: Encourage teamwork to tidy up, wipe hands, and put materials away.

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Assessment and Reflection

✔ Observation: Did the children engage with the activity? Did they ask or answer questions?
✔ Language Development: Listen for descriptive words (e.g., soft, stretchy, runny).
✔ Curiosity: Did they explore and investigate by playing with the slime in different ways?

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Extension Ideas

• Link to Literacy: Read "Messy Play" books or stories like Maisy Makes a Mess to reinforce learning.
• Exploration at Home: Encourage children to teach their grown-ups how to make slime!
• Colour & Texture Variation: Next time, try adding food colouring or glitter.

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Why This Lesson Works

✨ Engaging & Tactile: Hands-on messy play captivates young learners.
🔬 Science Through Play: Introduces properties of materials in a fun, accessible way.
📝 EYFS Aligned: Supports natural curiosity, communication, and fine motor skills.

This lesson transforms simple materials into an unforgettable first science experiment! 🌟