Let’s learn how to make magnetic slime!
Magnetic slime just might be the coolest slime recipe we’ve made yet, and you know how much we love making homemade slime. This magnetic slime recipe is part science experiment, part magic and part slime fun and great for kids of all ages.
How to Make Magnetic Slime Recipe
The slime’s secret ingredient is black iron oxide powder which is filled with teeny tiny iron filings.
After we made this magnetic slime for the first time, my son played with his own magnetic slime mixture for hours:
- He loved setting our magnet on the slime and watching it get swallowed up.
- He watched while setting the magnet near the slime and watching it crawl toward the magnet.
Magnetic slime is really cool!
Related: More fun magnet experiments, make magnetic mud!
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Adult Supervision Required
This slime recipe requires adult supervision. Small children should not touch the black iron oxide powder (one of the slime ingredients) or play with the strong neodymium magnets.
Supplies Needed to Make Magnetic Slime Recipe
- 6 oz white school glue
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of liquid starch
- 2-4 tsp black Iron Oxide powder – also called ferrous oxide powder or ferrous powdered metals
- Neodymium Magnet
- Medium sized mixing bowl or a large plastic cup
- Something to stir with like a craft stick
- Keep a paper towel handy for quick clean up
- (Optional) Disposable gloves for making the slime recipe and play
Directions to Make Homemade Magnetic Slime
Step 1
With everything at room temperature, add the white glue to a bowl and stir in the water. Once the glue mixture is fully incorporated, add the liquid starch, and stir until it starts to come together with a craft stick.
Step 2
Remove the slime from the bowl and knead it, stretching it to make it more pliable.
At this point, you have a bunch of white slime, a ball of slime.
Step 3
Now it’s time to add the Iron Oxide powder.
This is what makes the slime magnetic because it has little bits of iron or iron filings.
Make a small indention in the top of the slime and add a teaspoon of Iron Oxide powder.
Step 4
Fold the slime over the powder and knead it to incorporate the powder throughout.
The slime will turn black like you just added dark paint!
Repeat the process to add enough powder that the slime reacts to a neodymium magnet. <–this will not work with ordinary magnets.
You can see how the magnet will pull some of the slime from the rest stretching the black slime.
Magnetic Slime Storage
Store your magnetic slime ball in an airtight container.
What are Neodymium Magnets?
Neodymium magnets are rare earth magnets or a permanent magnets made from neodymium, iron and boron.
Because neodymium magnets have a strong magnetic field, be careful when using two together. Unlike regular magnets or traditional magnets, they can strike each other forcefully. You don’t want to be pinched in the middle due to the powerful magnet.
Watch how the magnetic slime “swallows” up the magnet!
See how far you can twist and pull the slime without it breaking.
What a great way to play with slime!
Frequently Asked Questions about Magnetic Slime
Q: What is magnetic slime?
A: Magnetic slime is quite literally slime that has a magnetic force. This slime will attract another magnet!
Q: How do you make magnetic slime?
A: Magnetic slime contains iron oxide, which is magnetic! The iron filings that make up the iron powder are tiny pieces of metal.
Q: Is magnetic slime safe for kids?
A: It’s safe if children refrain from eating the slime and wash their hands after playing with their bare hands.
Step by Step Directions Review – Magnetic Slime Recipe
Active Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Difficulty Medium
Estimated Cost $10
Materials
- 6 oz white school glue
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup liquid starch
- 2-4 tsp black Iron Oxide powder
Tools
- Neodymium Magnet
- Medium sized mixing bowl
- Something to stir with
Instructions
- Add school glue to bowl and stir in the water. Mix until combined.
- Add the liquid starch and stir until it comes together.
- Remove the slime from the bowl and knead it to make it more pliable.
- Make a small indention in the middle of the ball of white slime and add a teaspoon of Iron Oxide powder. Fold over and gently knead it to incorporate – the slime will turn black.
- Repeat the process adding enough powder that the slime reacts to a neodymium magnet.
Notes
This should be supervised. Children should not put their hands or the slime in their mouth.
More Slime Recipes from Kids Activities Blog
This amazing goo makes a really cool science project. Here are some more science project ideas for kids…
What is your favorite part of making the magnetic slime recipe?
