Make a batch of magnetic slime - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Make a batch of magnetic slime

Make a batch of magnetic slime using school glue, iron filings and a safe activator with adult supervision, then explore magnets' attraction and movement.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make a batch of magnetic slime

What you need

School glue, iron filings, liquid starch, mixing bowl, spoon or popsicle stick, disposable gloves, magnet, paper towels, airtight container, adult supervision required

Step 1

Put on your disposable gloves with an adult nearby to help.

Step 2

Pour 1/2 cup of school glue into the mixing bowl.

Step 3

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of iron filings into the glue.

Step 4

Stir the glue and iron filings together until the filings are evenly mixed.

Step 5

Slowly add 1/4 cup of liquid starch to the bowl.

Step 6

Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the bowl.

Step 7

Remove the slime from the bowl and knead it with your gloved hands for about 2 minutes until smooth.

Step 8

Use a paper towel to wipe up any spilled iron filings and clean the work surface.

Step 9

Hold the magnet near the slime without touching it and watch the slime move toward the magnet.

Step 10

Slowly move the magnet around the outside of the slime to make the slime crawl and stretch toward the magnet.

Step 11

Put your magnetic slime into an airtight container for storage when you are finished playing.

Step 12

Share your finished magnetic slime project and what you discovered on DIY.org

Help!?

What can I use if I can't find iron filings?

If you can't find iron filings for the 'sprinkle 2 tablespoons of iron filings into the glue' step, use 2 tablespoons of finely ground magnetite (iron oxide) powder or very finely shredded, cleaned steel wool prepared by an adult as a substitute.

Why didn't my slime thicken when I added liquid starch and how do I fix it?

If the mixture doesn't thicken after adding 1/4 cup liquid starch, gradually add a little more liquid starch while stirring and then knead the slime longer until it pulls away from the bowl, and double-check you used school glue and the correct measurements.

How can I adapt this activity for younger children or older kids?

For preschoolers have an adult wear gloves and mix the glue, filings, and starch and let the child watch the magnet move the finished slime, while older kids can measure and stir each step themselves and experiment with different filing amounts and magnet strengths.

How can we extend or personalize the magnetic slime project?

To personalize the project, stir a few drops of washable paint into the glue before sprinkling the iron filings, then use different magnets to create a magnet 'race' as you move the magnet around the slime (steps 9–10) and store favorite samples in the airtight container to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make a batch of magnetic slime

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Magnetic Slime Recipe: Step-by-Step Tutorial

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Facts about magnetism

🧲 Iron filings inside slime line up along a magnet's invisible field, so the slime can stretch and 'reach' toward the magnet.

🌀 Glue-based slime is viscoelastic (a non-Newtonian material): it can slowly flow like a thick liquid but snap when pulled sharply.

🧪 School glue is mostly polyvinyl acetate (PVA); adding a safe activator creates cross-links that turn runny glue into stretchy slime.

🧤 Iron filings are messy and can stain or irritate skin or lungs — always use adult supervision, gloves, and consider a mask and tray.

🔬 Different magnets (bar, ring, and powerful neodymium) produce different effects—stronger magnets make the slime move faster and form sharper spikes.

How do I make a batch of magnetic slime with school glue and iron filings?

Mix school glue in a bowl, stir in iron filings until evenly distributed, then add a safe slime activator dropwise while stirring until the mixture pulls away from the bowl. Knead with gloved hands to the desired stretchiness. Test movement using a strong neodymium magnet held outside the container or under the table to see attraction and flow. Always have an adult supervise mixing and magnet play to prevent ingestion or inhalation of filings.

What materials do I need to make magnetic slime?

You’ll need white school glue, iron filings (not powder), a safe slime activator (commercial activator, liquid starch, or contact lens solution + baking soda), a mixing bowl and spoon, a strong magnet, disposable gloves, goggles, and a sealed storage container. Optional: food coloring, washable glitter, and a tray or mat to protect surfaces. Choose non-toxic, child-safe products and keep messy materials away from textiles and electronics.

What ages is magnetic slime suitable for?

Magnetic slime is generally best for children aged 6 and up with close adult supervision. Younger kids (under 3–5) should not handle iron filings or small magnets due to choking and ingestion risks. For ages 6–8, an adult should do the mixing and guide play. Older children can participate more independently but still need reminders about safety, handwashing, and keeping slime away from mouths and sensitive electronics.

Is magnetic slime safe and what precautions should I take?

Magnetic slime can be safe if you take precautions: adult supervise every step, wear gloves and goggles, avoid breathing or letting children touch iron filings directly, and never let kids put slime in their mouths. Keep magnets away from electronics and small children, work on washable surfaces, and store slime sealed. Clean filings from skin and surfaces with a magnet and dispose responsibly. If unsure about a product’s safety, choose a tested commercial slime kit.

Ready to create?