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photo via e-sling.net
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Beyond Satire recreated floam! Below is the recipe:
materials:
2 tsp. borax
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup elmer's glue
food coloring
ziploc bag
5/3 cups of polystyrene beads.
"You can substitute 2/3 cups micro-beads (1 mm from Jo-Ann Fabrics) and 1 cup bean bag filler (1/8"). You can also grate styrofoam cups or packing peanuts."
how to:
1. Mix borax and 1/2 cup of water.
2. In another bowl, mix glue and 1/4 cup of water. Add food coloring.
3. Pour the glue solution into the bag. Then, add 3 tbsp of the borax solution, do not mix.
4. Add the polystyrene beads.
5. Seal bag and knead by hand until mixed. Let the bag stand for 15 minutes. Then knead for a few more minutes.
I love this. I am trying it tonight!
ReplyDeletecan i use POLYPROPYLINE ("poly pellets") transparent beads (a weighted stuffing material used to create posed dolls, plush animals and other crafts) instead of POLYSTYRENE? i couldn't find polystyrene beads at neither Hobby Lobby nor JoAnn Fabrics!
ReplyDeleteI would guess no, they'd be too heavy and just wouldn't work in the same way that foam does.
DeleteI couldn't find any either, so I'm laboriously pulling apart some packing foam!
WalMart online has them and free ship to store. Bean bag filler
ReplyDeleteis borax safe for kids to handle?
ReplyDeleteonce dissolved in water, it's safe. steve spangler has lots of experiments using borax for kids
DeleteI used to think it was safe, too, until I started reading up on it.
Deletehttp://www.magicalchildhood.com/articles/borax.htm
This site has info and links to websites (including the US government) about Borax's toxicity and dangers.
So just because someone has "lots of experiments," doesn't mean it's safe for kids. Acid dissolved in water is still acid. It makes me sad though, because I loved making and playing with experiments using it.
If you're a teacher, you shouldn't make it in your classroom. You could get in trouble with some parents. If you're a parent, you can decide if you want to make it with your children at home.
DeleteMSDS SAFETY SHEET for BORAX - http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9924967
Steve Spangler Science Safety Information - http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/safety-information.html
Let us not forget that styrofoam is bad, bad, bad!
Deletehttp://www.health-science-spirit.com/borax.htm
DeleteI agree with being safe but, how many items do you allow your children to play with that are toxic yet you allow them to play with them anyway? Many plastics used to make toys aren't that safe for you children. Borax is a lesser of the evils.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Erin. Thank you for posting! If you read the information and scientific studies about Borax it is very dangerous if ingested by a toddler, it can even be fatal....for those thinking..it's safe if dissolved in water...well do you know the exact ratio of water to borax needed to make it *safe*? Also, it's still an acid...even when dilute. I also don't let my child play with toxic plastic toys, there are toys out there that are not toxic, they just aren't sold at regular stores like target or walmart. Home made toys from natural or untreated products are also great. You just have to be an informed parent that cares about their child and the environment in which you live.
ReplyDeleteCorrection, borax is alkaline, not acidic. At high enough levels, it can be toxic, especially in infants. On the other hand, it is about as toxic as common table salt, so finding a safer replacement for borax may prove to be quite difficult. Ironically, replacements for borax in household cleaners are 2-3 times more toxic.
DeleteAcid added to water is actually diluted, not dissolved, and it may still be acid but a lower pH, you're making an acid-base solution. Just make sure you add the acid to the water and not vice versa, it does make a difference!
ReplyDeleteDid anyone ever find the polystyrene beads?? I'm having a hard time finding them!
ReplyDeleteAh! This looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeletewhat would be a good borax replacement, and what is its purpose in this stuff. I will NOT make it if it has borax in it. just not responsible in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteGood luck finding a replacement considering table salt is about as toxic.
Deletehttp://www.health-science-spirit.com/borax.htm
Slime without borax:
ReplyDeletehttp://tottreasuresnorthbay.blogspot.com/2012/06/slime.html
If you don't want clear, use white glue. Add the beads or styrofoam to the recipe.
If you watch your children then it's not an issue......I use borax with my toddler class all the time ...not one child in my 24 years of teaching has eaten it....
ReplyDeleteJust let the dang kids play and have fun! :) Its FLOAM.
ReplyDeleteHi I'm in Australia and searched for borax everywhere but no luck. I spoke with a couple of elderly ladies in a shop an they seemed to think that Bi-carb soda would do the same as borax and be safe. Do u know if bi-carb would work?
ReplyDeleteI have no idea?! Try it and see if it works! Let me know if it does. Borax is hard to find in the U.S. as well.
DeleteI truly appreciate you writing these as your insight has made me think a lot about this topic. Thank you!
ReplyDeletealkaline water