Slime Ratio Lab Slides
Math Chemistry Lab
Grade 6–7 Ratios & Proportions
Mixing Math & Molecules
Slime Ratio Laboratory
Master equivalent ratios, scaling factors, and proportions by engineering the ultimate batches of goo!
1
Part-to-Part Ratios
2
Equivalent Ratio Tables
3
Scaling Up & Down
Concept 01
The Master Recipe: What is a Ratio?
Comparing Quantities
Neon Slime Batch #1
The perfect stretch ratio
🧪 Clear Glue
2 Cups
💧 Activator Solution
1 Cup
Total Slime Volume = 3 Cups
3 Ways to Write the Ratio
Comparing Glue to Activator
Using the word "to": 2 to 1
Using a colon (:): 2 : 1
As a fraction: \( \frac{2}{1} \)
⚠️ Order Matters! Glue to Activator is 2:1, but Activator to Glue is 1:2.
A ratio is a mathematical comparison of two or more quantities.
Concept 02
Scaling with Ratio Tables
Multiplicative Reasoning
To make bigger or smaller batches without ruining the slime texture, multiply or divide both parts by the same scale factor.
Ingredient
🧪 Glue
💧 Activator
Total Yield
1 Batch (Base)
2 cups
1 cup
3 cups
2 Batches (×2)
4 cups
2 cups
6 cups
3 Batches (×3)
6 cups
3 cups
9 cups
5 Batches (×5)
10 cups
5 cups
15 cups
All ratios are equivalent: 2:1 = 4:2 = 6:3 = 10:5
Glue is always 2 times the activator amount!
Unit Rate: There are 2 cups of glue per 1 cup of activator.
Guided Problem
The Science Fair Slime Monster!
Target: 36 Total Cups
👾
Lab Mission
Your class needs to fill a giant bucket with 36 total cups of slime for the interactive booth.
Base Recipe (1 Batch):
2 cups Glue + 1 cup Activator = 3 cups Total
How many cups of glue and activator are required?
1
Find the Scale Factor
Divide target total by base total: 36 ÷ 3 = 12 batches
2
Multiply Glue by Scale Factor
Glue needed: 2 cups × 12 = 24 cups
3
Multiply Activator by Scale Factor
Activator needed: 1 cup × 12 = 12 cups
✓ Verification: 24 cups glue + 12 cups activator = 36 cups total 24 : 12 = 2 : 1
When total parts are scaled by a factor \( k \), every individual part scales by the exact same factor \( k \).
Critical Thinking
Lab Alert: Recipe Flub Investigation!
Are They Equivalent?
Perfect Standard Slime 2 : 1
Standard Ratio 2 cups Glue : 1 cup Activator
Value of the Ratio \( \frac{2}{1} = 2.0 \)
Texture: Stretchy, pliable, doesn't tear or stick to fingers.
Dr. Ooze's Flawed Mix 6 : 4
Dr. Ooze used 6 cups Glue : 4 cups Activator
Simplified Ratio \( \frac{6 \div 2}{4 \div 2} = \frac{3}{2} = 1.5 \)
Diagnosis: \( \frac{2}{1} \neq \frac{3}{2} \). Too much activator! Result: Rubbery, hard, and snaps when stretched.
Quick Equivalence Check: Cross Products: \( 2 \times 4 = 8 \) whereas \( 1 \times 6 = 6 \) (Since \( 8 \neq 6 \), they are NOT equivalent!)
Partner Lab Mission
The Glow-in-the-Dark Challenge
Turn & Talk (3 Minutes)
3-Part Recipe Ratio
Cosmic Glow Slime
Clear Glue 3 Parts
Glow Pigment 1 Part
Activator 2 Parts
Ratio: Glue : Pigment : Activator = 3 : 1 : 2
Solve with Your Lab Partner:
Question A
If you use 4 tablespoons of Glow Pigment, how much glue and activator do you need?
Question B
If the total batch size is 30 total cups, how many cups of each ingredient must you measure?
Hint for B: Add up ratio parts first: \( 3 + 1 + 2 = 6 \text{ total parts} \).
Be ready to explain your scale factor to the class!
Lab Debrief
Certified Slime Mathematician
Key Takeaways
Ratios Compare Quantities
Ratios compare parts to parts or parts to whole. Order matters: 2:1 is not the same as 1:2!
Scale by the Same Multiplier
Equivalent ratios keep recipes consistent. Multiply or divide all terms by the exact same scale factor \( k \).
Ratio Tables Reveal Patterns
Tables display how quantities scale proportionally, making unit rates and new batch totals effortless to spot.
Always Test Equivalence
Simplify fractions or compute cross-products to prove whether a recipe will succeed or result in a rubbery flub!
Exit Reflection: "If you need 48 cups of 3:1 slime, what is your scale factor and ingredient breakdown?"
