How to Make Golden Slime for Kids- Quick and Easy Recipe

If I learned anything after my years teaching preschool, it’s that kids love all things pirates! Who wouldn’t be intrigued by those eye-patch-wearing, parrot-toting gold thieves?! While some kids are more pirate-crazed than others, all kids will be drawn to this Golden Slime recipe!

photo collage of golden slime for a pirate theme.

materials needed to make golden slime for kids.

someone is pouring water into a glass bowl.

someone is adding clear glue to a glass bowl of water.

someone is adding baking soda to a mixture of water and clear glue.

someone is adding gold paint to a clear liquid mixture in a glass bowl.

someone is adding gold glitter to a pirate slime mixture.

someone is stirring up a gold slime mixture in a glass bowl.

someone is adding a tablespoon of contact solution to a slime mixture.

using a fork to stretch golden slime out of a glass bowl.

overhead image of golden pirate slime in a glass bowl.

someone putting their hand in a ball of golden slime.

golden slime in front of a toy pirate chest.

Recommended Grade Level:

Preschool

Kindergarten

1st Grade

Supply List
Coordinating Activities

Materials for Golden Slime:

¾ C or (1) 5 Oz Clear Elmers Glue
¼ C Warm Water
½ tsp Baking Soda
1 Tbsp Contact Solution (contact solution should contain Boric Acid)
Gold metallic paint
Gold glitter (optional)
Medium size bowl
Fork
Treasure Box (optional for Pirate Slime)

Using Slime in the Classroom

Hands-on activities are such a great way to provide sensory input and engage early learners in topics. You can incorporate slime into lessons about anything- from math activities to reading and science. This themed slime comes together easily and allows for plenty of sensory exploration.

(Speaking of slime— don’t forget about other forms of sensory input! Using a sensory bin to act as a vehicle to explore all kinds of themes makes learning engaging and fun for little ones.)

In addition to creating the slime recipe with contact solution and glue, students can begin to work on other important skills like following directions, as well as sequencing. What else can students learn through mixing slime?

Mixing slime is a great way to learn more about science concepts like:

Solution
Mix vs. Separate
Ingredients
Soluble/Insoluble

Materials You Will Need for Golden Slime:

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¾ C or (1) 5 Oz Clear Elmers Glue
¼ C Warm Water
½ tsp Baking Soda
1 Tbsp Contact Solution (contact solution should contain Boric Acid)
Gold metallic paint
Gold glitter (optional)
Medium size bowl
Fork
Treasure Box (optional for Pirate Slime)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Golden Slime:

Step One:

Grab all the things you need for Gold Slime. If you need extra glitz in your life, don’t forget to add gold glitter to your list of materials.

Step Two:

Grab your medium bowl, and add the clear glue to it. Pour in warm water and stir it well. Combine the two things fully, then add baking soda and stir until it is mixed.

Teacher Tip: Make sure the clear glue and the warm water are very well combined before you add in the baking soda mixture.

Step Three:

Once that is all combined, add a squirt of gold paint into the bowl and stir it in well. If you decide to use glitter, now is the time to use it in the bowl. Your slime is very sticky at this point.

Now add in the contact solution and continue to mix until the slime is no longer sticky. (You may need to knead it to incorporate the ingredients well!)

gold pirate treasure slime recipe sensory 8

Step Four:

Store the slime in an air tight container or a Ziplock bag that is sealable, and you officially have Gold Slime! Enjoy playing with your pirate treasure slime!

gold pirate treasure slime recipe sensory 12

Ways to Adapt/Modify/Differentiate The Gold Slime Activity

Pirate Crafts

Pirate crafts are a great way to bring pirates to life. Crafts can teach about color, symmetry, or traits.

Scavenger Hunt

What better way to get into a pirate’s mindset than using a treasure map? Create a map that leads students to gold coins, treasure chest, or even the Gold Slime! Kids love going on a hunt.

Are your kids loving slime right now? Check out our favorite slime recipes here:

What Else Can Students Learn Through Slime and Sensory Play?

Creativity

Open-ended activities, like playing with slime, are a great way to engage kids with creativity and problem solving in ways they don’t soon forget.

Language

Oral language development is a crucial foundational skill for learning to read. Sensory experiences provide a natural way to encourage talking, new vocabulary, and social development. Check out this article from Reading Rockets to learn more about children’s oral language development!

Brain Connections

Tactile experiences engage multiple areas of the brain, which then promotes thinking skills, memory, and observational skills as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are frequently asked questions about gold slime …

How long does the slime last?

While slime can technically last indefintely in an air-tight container, it starts to get gross from dirt and germs on hands. We recommend tossing the slime after a week or two of regular use, but washing hands prior to use may make it last a little longer!

Can I make the slime a different color?

Yes! If you want a different color of slime, simply swap out the paint color that you use.

What kind of contact solution should I use?

You can use any brand that you want as long as it contains boric acid! That is the key ingredient.

Have Fun With Your Gold Slime!

This activity is both simple and quick to prep! If you choose to try it, please let us know what pirate book, game, or activity you’ve paired it with!

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