Title: Pumpkin Slime Science Experiment

Grade Level: Elementary (3rd-5th grade)

Objective: - Students will learn about the chemical reaction between ingredients to create a polymer. - Students will understand the properties of polymers and their uses. - Students will follow step-by-step instructions to create pumpkin slime.

Materials: - 1 small pumpkin - 1 cup of clear school glue - 1 teaspoon of borax powder - 1 cup of warm water - Orange food coloring - Plastic spoon or popsicle stick - Measuring cups and spoons - Mixing bowl - Plastic ziplock bags (optional) - Paper towels or napkins for clean-up

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):
   • Begin the lesson by discussing polymers and their properties. Explain that polymers are long chains of molecules that can stretch and bounce back to their original shape.
   • Show examples of everyday polymers such as rubber bands, plastic bags, and slime.
   • Ask students if they know any other examples of polymers.
2. Pumpkin Slime Explanation (5 minutes):
   • Explain that we will be making slime using a pumpkin as a base ingredient.
   • Discuss the chemical reaction that occurs between the glue and borax, resulting in the formation of a polymer.
3. Pumpkin Slime Preparation (10 minutes):
   • Divide the class into small groups or pairs.
   • Provide each group with a small pumpkin, a mixing bowl, and a plastic spoon or popsicle stick.
   • Instruct students to cut open the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and pulp, placing them in the mixing bowl.
   • Encourage students to examine the inside of the pumpkin and discuss its texture and appearance.
4. Creating Pumpkin Slime (15 minutes):
   • Instruct students to add 1 cup of clear school glue to the mixing bowl containing the pumpkin seeds and pulp.
   • Add a few drops of orange food coloring to the mixture and stir well.
   • In a separate cup, mix 1 teaspoon of borax powder with 1 cup of warm water until the borax is dissolved.
   • Slowly pour the borax solution into the mixing bowl while stirring continuously.
   • Students should observe the mixture transforming into slime as they stir.
   • Encourage students to touch and play with the slime, noting its stretchy and bouncy properties.
5. Discussion and Conclusion (10 minutes):
   • Gather the students together and ask them to share their observations and experiences with the pumpkin slime.
   • Discuss the chemical reaction that occurred between the glue and borax, resulting in the formation of a polymer.
   • Ask students to reflect on the properties of the slime and how it compares to other polymers they have encountered.
   • Conclude the lesson by emphasizing the importance of following instructions and safety precautions when conducting experiments.

Extensions: - Encourage students to experiment with different amounts of glue or borax to observe how it affects the consistency of the slime. - Have students compare the properties of pumpkin slime to traditional slime made with other ingredients. - Discuss the potential uses of polymers in everyday life, such as in packaging materials, clothing, or medical devices.

Note: Ensure that students follow safety guidelines, such as washing hands before and after the experiment, and avoiding ingestion of any materials.