Stepping up to take the STEM toy review challenge are primary schoolers Kyra, 6, and Rafael, 7. They joined forces to create some gooey creations with the Galt Slimy Lab, from glow-in-the-dark slime to sticky creepy crawlies, all while unknowingly brushing up on their science and maths skills as they have a slimy good time.
The STEM Toy
Kids are obsessed with slime – which makes the Galt Slimy Lab a perfect afternoon activity that also boosts their STEM knowledge. As they practise following instructions and problem solving to create the goo, they are also working on measurement and observation skills and consolidating their understanding of how materials can change scientific properties, such as viscosity. The accompanying instruction booklet even encourages them to note their predictions and results as they work through the projects.
In the pack are three different slimes (colour changing, metallic and glow-in-the-dark) and all the bits and pieces you need to make them: pots, moulds and stirrers. Young scientists can bring creature creations to life by adding stick-on eyes and will have heaps of fun playing with their stretchy, squishy concoctions. Once made, storing the slime in the supplied containers will prevent it drying out so it can be played with again. Galt Slimy Lab is suitable for children aged five and up.
The Educational Experience
The kit includes a lab booklet of step-by-step instructions that will put problem-solving skills to the test. Measurement is made simple with one packet of slime being just right for nearly one pot of warm water, but adults may want to help out little learners to adjust the ratio if they don’t put in enough water or, oops!, spill the slime powder and need to get the consistency just right. Kids will also use concepts of time and counting to judge how long ingredients need to be mixed.
Making slime is an extremely tactile process (it is advised to put a protective cover down on your table first). Touching and playing with slime stimulates fine and gross motor skills, as well as strengthening the muscles in their hands which is essential for skills like handwriting. Plus, kids can exercise their imagination as they morph and mould the slime into creations of their own making.
SEE ALSO: STEM Test Drive: Build a Bot Light Up Robotics Kit Review
The Verdict
Rafael and Kyra love the slime! “My favourite part is when we were stirring and it sticks up,” says Rafael. As for Kyra? She couldn’t get enough of “when the slime farts like that!”
Our Panel's Rating Out of 10
Rafael is keen to show the Galt Slimy Lab to his friends, rating it a 9 out of 10, while Kyra rates it an overwhelming “million, thousand, trillion, billion, dillion, fillion!”
