Is it a solid – or a liquid? Flubber, immortalized by Disney in the 1997 Robin Williams flick and The Absent-Minded Professor back in 1961, has presented that very question to throngs of inquisitive young children, in southeast Michigan and elsewhere, for decades.
But all told, slime’s close cousin is a very simple substance. And, with a little parent supervision, kids can help you create it right in your family’s kitchen.
For this cool craft, we chatted up former Livonia Webster Elementary School teacher Mary Buscemi, who created the stuff with her special education students.
“The kids love the sensory experience of it, the feeling, the smell,” Buscemi explains. “They can be creative and make what they want.”
A favorite activity? Pretending to make “cookies” using cookie cutters that don’t cut but leave an imprint. Kids would watch with fascination as the imprint faded and the Flubber oozes back in.
Here’s her how-to!
Step 1
In a large container, such as a pail, combine:
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 cups white glue
- food coloring
Step 2
In a second smaller container, combine:
- 1 1/3 cups warm water
- 3 tsp. borax
Step 3
Mix ingredients in each container thoroughly. Pour contents of smaller container into larger container. Gently lift and turn the mixture until only about a tablespoon of liquid is left. Flubber will be sticky for a moment or two. Let excess liquid drip off. Flubber will then be ready. Store in an airtight container for about three weeks of use.
This classic Metro Parent post was originally published in 1999 and is updated regularly.
