Science Smarts: Pumpkin Slie

By Patty Rooks on September 27, 2025.

As I continue on with a Halloween or Fall theme this week, I thought I would incorporate pumpkins into some science fun! I see some people have gardens overflowing with these giant orange vegetables and may be looking for a use for them. Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

– Pumpkin

– Mixing bowl

– Clear school glue

– Liquid starch

– Water

– Measuring cups

– Measuring spoons

– Knife

– Spoon

– Mixing spoon

– Adult helper

Procedure

1. Have an adult helper assist you in cutting off the top of your pumpkin with a knife.

2. Scrape the “guts” of the pumpkin away from the sides – you want them to be in there as you are going to incorporate them into the mixture! Set aside for now.

3. Measure 125 mL (1/2 cup) of water AND glue. Pour into the mixing bowl and gently stir until combined.

4. Pour the glue and water mixture into the pumpkin and stir well.

5. Measure 60 mL (1/4 cup) liquid starch into the pumpkin. Get in there with your hands and mix it up.

6. Enjoy!

What is going on?

The pumpkin has little effect on the slime – it is just cool to make “Pumpkin Guts Slime!” Not to mention, what a great sensory activity with the seeds and the slippery slime mixture.

There are three science connections involved in this science experiment. The first is polymers in the glue. Glue contains PVA which is a polymer of long repeating molecules. Then you have cross linking. The starch introduces borate ions which basically tangle up and connect the glue and starch molecules. We cannot forget that we also created a non Newtonian fluid. Slime flows like a liquid BUT can also hold its shape like a solid.

Teachers, do not forget to book your hands on Learning Kits for the school year. New to our resources this year includes the Spike Lego specifically for Grades 6-8. Book now as slots are filling up fast! As well, a number of kits have been realigned with the NEW Alberta Science Curriculum over the summer. Email Patty for details and topics.

Patty Rooks, senior scientific consultant Praxis Science Outreach Society. Praxis has moved! We are very fortunate to be located in the Community Futures Entre Corp Building at #202 556 Fourth St. SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0K8. For all your science needs, please email praxis@praxismh.ca.

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