Let’s learn how to make magnetic slime! Magnetic slime just might be the coolest slime recipe we’ve made yet (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 at home or in the classroom.
Easy Magnetic Slime Recipe
The magnetic slime’s secret ingredient is black iron oxide powder which is filled with teeny tiny iron filings.
Related: 15 more ways how to make slime at home
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 for Making Slime Magnet
This homemade 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.
How to Make Magnetic Slime Recipe
Ingredients Needed to Make Magnetic Slime Recipe
- 6 oz white school glue – we used elmer’s 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 or plastic spoons
- Keep a paper towel handy for quick clean up
- (Optional) Disposable gloves for making the slime recipe and play
Instructions to Make Homemade Magnetic Slime
Step 1
With everything at room temperature, pour 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!
Finished Magnetic Slime
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.
Q: Can I use any kind of magnet for this project, or do I need a specific type?
A: The key factor is that the magnet needs to be strong enough to interact with the iron particles in the slime. A regular fridge magnet is not strong enough to create the desired effect. For best results, consider using a neodymium magnet. Neodymium magnets are considered the strongest type of permanent magnet commercially available and will provide a noticeable interaction with your magnetic slime. These magnets come in various shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.
Q: How long does it take to make the magnetic slime?
A: If you have all your supplies gathered, you can easily make a big batch of magnetic slime in less than 15 minutes.
Q: Can I add colors to my magnetic slime, and if so, what type of coloring should I use?
A: Because Iron Oxide powder is black and colors the slime to a very dark color, it will be hard to change your magnetic slime to a light or bright color. You can try adding deeper colors or sparkles with food coloring or metallic and pearlescent paint, but remember that it will need to play nicely with the black color of the Iron Oxide powder.
Magnetic Slime You Can Buy
Step by Step Directions Review – Magnetic Slime Recipe
Related: Easy magic tricks for kids
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
What is your favorite part of making the magnetic slime recipe?
