KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WWMT) – As schools closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, kids have been sent home. Many parents may be wondering what they can do to entertain their children while also providing education. 

One option: science experiments! The first one many kids know about and that is...slime. 

How to make slime

Ingredients needed:

• Water
• Glue, such as Elmers
• Borax (found in the laundry detergent aisle)

Instructions:

1. Measure half a teaspoon of Borax. This part should be done by a parent or an adult.
2. Add that half teaspoon of borax to half a cup of warm water and let it dissolve. 
3. Measure half a cup, or four ounces, of glue. This is a great thing for the child to do!
4. Add that half cup of glue to half a cup of warm water and mix it together well. 
5. Now add both mixtures together. Drain the excess water and let sit. 
6. Viola! You have slime! 

Note: For a more runny and oozy slime, add only a quarter teaspoon of Borax.

Next experiment is something that will teach children about different densities and chemical reactions. Let's make our own lava lamps!

How to make a lava lamp

Ingredients needed:

• Empty water bottle
• Vegetable oil
• Water
• Food coloring

Instructions:

1. Fill an empty water bottle three quarters with vegetable oil.
2. Take some water and color it with food coloring.
3. Once colored, fill the rest of the bottle up with the water. Notice the water sinks below the vegetable oil. This is because water is more dense than the vegetable oil. 
4. Now for the fun part, the chemical reaction: Take an alka-seltzer tablet and break it into four pieces. Have the children add a piece one by one.
5. It is a lava lamp without any of the heat! 

The best part about these experiments are they can be used over and over again. 

Share your experiment with us if you decide to do them!