Make some pumpkin seed slime with the kids this fall. It is sure to be the perfect addition to your preschool pumpkin activities!
Related: Pumpkin Seed Activities
As October draws to a close, you may find yourself with a plethora of seeds after carving up pumpkins. Play mad scientists while creating this creepy pumpkin seed concoction!
It will make the fun last longer while adding more science and sensory experiences for the kids to explore.
Pumpkin Seed Slime
If you’re a regular reader of Fun-A-Day, you know we’ve been slime fans since way before it was the “in” thing to do.
I know not everyone is a fan of making slime with kids, and that’s okay. I, personally, really enjoy it.
If you’ve never made slime with the kiddos before or would like some new tips and tricks, check out these helpful suggestions for how to make slime with kids.
Part of the reason I like making slime is that it’s just plain fun. Then you add on all of the learning and engagement that can take place with a pretty simple activity . . . and I am hooked.
So today I have two ways you can make your own pumpkin seed slime. You’ll find the slime recipes below.
Slime Safety
Before we jump into it, I do want to make a quick note about slime safety.
Kids should be supervised during the entire process, from making the slime to playing with it.
For some children, playing with slime safely might mean putting the slime in a sealed baggie or plastic bottle (like we did with our monster slime).
As with any science project, neither the final slimy product, nor any of it’s ingredients, should be consumed. Be sure to attend to the needs of, and provide proper supervision for, each child.
While I’ve never run into any reactions with slime, that doesn’t mean it’s not a possibility. Keep an eye for any skin reactions, on yourself and the children under your care.
Slime is science! It’s definitely a fun learning experience, but we still need to keep safety a priority.
Orange Pumpkin Seed Slime
Now let’s make some orange pumpkin seed slime! You’ll find the materials and recipe below.
Keep in mind, you can adjust this idea if your favorite slime recipe is a little different.
Related: Fall Messy Play Ideas
Orange Slime Ingredients
You don’t really need that many materials to make this.
If you’re anything like me, you probably already have these items on-hand, which is one of the reasons making slime is so easy!
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You will need:
- 4 oz. Elmer’s school glue
- 1/2 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon contact lens solution
- Orange food coloring or liquid watercolors
- Pumpkin seeds
Related: Pumpkin Seed Counting Activity
You’ll also want to grab a bowl, measuring spoons, a mixing spoon, and a mat to play on.
Since we’re big fans of slime around here, I’ve got multiple sets of the above dedicated just to slime and sensory play. Please tell me I’m not the only one!
How to Make Orange Pumpkin Seed Slime
Now that you’ve gathered all of your materials, it’s time to get to the fun part: making the pumpkin seed slime.
Grab your mixing bowl and pour in the glue. You can just use a 4 ounce glue bottle, or you can measure that amount out from a larger bottle of glue.
Next, add the baking soda and mix everything well.
Pour in the contact lens solution and the orange food coloring. Stir well until the slime starts forming.
Related: Thanksgiving Activities for Preschoolers
At this point, I like to knead the slime. Yes, just like you knead bread dough. I find it makes for better slime.
Knead until the slime gets to your preferred consistency. I like it to be stretchy without being sticky.
If you find your slime is too sticky, try adding more contact lens solution in 1/2 teaspoon quantities.
Once the slime is just the way you like it, add in some pumpkin seeds and get ready to play!
Related: Colorful Fall Pumpkin Seed Art
Green Glitter Pumpkin Seed Slime
As promised, here’s another variation on the pumpkin guts slime!
Because why would you want to make one slime when you can make two?! Plus, this allows you to add some sparkle to the sensory and science play. I’m always down for some extra sparkle.
Green Pumpkin Seed Slime Ingredients
You’ll notice this recipe is pretty similar to the orange version. There are just a few differences, but they’re just enough to make the experience a bit different for the kids.
- 6 ounces green Elmer’s glitter glue
- 1/2 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 tablespoons contact lens solution
- Pumpkin seeds
As with the previous pumpkin seed slime recipe, you’ll want to grab a mixing bowl, measuring spoons, mixing spoon, and a mat to play on.
Directions for Green Glitter Slime
Pour the six ounce bottle of glitter glue into your bowl. You can, of course, use orange glitter glue in place of the green glitter glue. Since the last slime was orange, green seemed a nice alternative this time around.
Just like before, add the baking soda and mix well.
Then pour in the contact lens solution and mix things up until the slime starts to form.
Once the slime has formed, it’s time to knead! Knead the slime for a bit, until it gets to the consistency you like.
Remember, if the slime is too sticky after kneading, add more contact lens solution a little at a time. Keep kneading until you have it the way you want it.
Finally, add in those pumpkin seeds and play!
Related: Pumpkin Sorting Activity
Playing and Learning with Slime
Once the pumpkin seed slime is ready to go, you can place it out for the kids to explore.
As I mentioned above, you’ll likely want a mat for the children to play on. You can also use a large tray or a table that can hold up to slime.
Consider placing extra pumpkin seeds and pumpkin cookie cutters out with the slime.
You’ll likely notice the children playing with the slime in a variety of ways. Some will love stretching it to see how far it goes, others will enjoy poking their fingers and hands into the slime.
Still others might just want to add more pumpkin seeds to the slime or cut the slime with cookie cutters.
No matter what the children do, rest assured that a lot of learning is taking place. If you know me, you know I’m a fan of letting kids play just for the experience of playing.
But I also like to point out the learning that takes place when kids are “just playing” – because sometimes we adults forget that.
This activity also provides an amazing sensory experience. Speaking of senses, check out this tutorial on how to roast pumpkin seeds for a tasty treat using your leftover seeds!
Some of the Pumpkin Guts Slime Learning
- Using ingredients to create something new
- Observing pumpkin seed characteristics
- The sensory experience of how slime feels
- Experimenting with the stretchiness of slime
- How much pressure it takes to cut the slime with a cookie cutter
- Counting pumpkin seeds
- Measuring the ingredients to make the slime
There’s definitely more learning that will take place, depending on how your students decide to explore the slime. But I wanted to give you a few examples.
Which of the slimes will you make? Either way, be sure to add these creepy concoctions to your ultimate collection of different types of slime!
After comparing the two, I have to say that the green glitter pumpkin seed slime is my favorite.
I think it’s because it has a little bit of bling to it, and you can see the pumpkin seeds better when the slime is made with glitter glue.
Preschool Pumpkin Lesson Plans
There is just not enough time in the month to plan meaningful lessons AND enjoy all of the fun that fall has to offer. Check out Preschool Teacher 101’s printable lesson plan sets to save you some time this fall!
Each set includes over 30 fun and engaging theme-based learning activities, including printables!
This set has all you need for a pumpkin-themed unit! It includes hands-on learning activities, book lists, and printables!
Click on the photos below for even more pumpkin-themed fun!
Pumpkin Books for Kids
I love reading a variety of books to the kids when we’re learning about a certain topic. These books would be great to read to the children before making pumpkin seed slime.
Do you have a favorite pumpkin book?
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