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Impression 5 is a hands-on learning environment that challenges its visitors to experience, discover, and explore the world in which they live. Impression 5 achieves this by producing hands-on exhibits and participatory programs.

Impression 5 Science Center and grounds are no smoking for the health of all visitors.

Impression 5 Staff

Impression 5 is a member of the ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers) and its passport program. We honor membership cards from any ASTC member institution.

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Impression 5 is a member of the ACM (Association of Children's Museums) and its reciprocal program. We honor membership cards from any ACM reciprocal member institution. 
 
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200 Museum Dr.
Lansing, MI 48933
(P): (517) 485-8116 ext 32
(F): (517) 485-8125
Directions - updated to avoid construction downtown
Hours of Operation
Mon-Thu: 10am - 5pm
Fri-Sat: 10am - 7pm
Sun: 12pm - 5pm
* Closed the first week of September (annually) and major holidays, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Day, Easter Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day,and Thanksgiving Day
Admission Prices
Adults $5.00
Students $4.00 (age 3 to college students with ID)
Seniors $4.00
Children 2 and under FREE
* I-5, ACM & ASTC Members FREE with valid membership card
* AAA members receive 10% discount on regular admission
Home arrow Group Visits arrow Slime
Slime PDF Print E-mail

ImageSlime is, by far, the most popular demonstration at Impression 5! In this hands-on workshop, curious participants enter the Chem Lab and prepare to make slime by putting on a lab coat and sidling up to the slime-making station. Participants learn some basic chemistry by exploring and asking questions as they make slime with the instruction of a certified Slime Expert!

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Our Chemistry Lab
The recipe for Slime is fairly simple, but it does involve one ingredient which is not commercially available.  We first prepare 1/4 cup of liquid polyvinylalcohol (or PVOH) in a sealable bag.  This PVOH is the hard-to-get ingredient.  PVOH is a polymer, which means it is made of strands of molecules.  Next we add a dash of diluted food coloring, simply to give our slime an interesting color.  Next we add a tablespoon (or so) of a saturated water/Borax solution.  This means that we mixed Borax (a common soap or laundry detergent) into a container of water until no more would dissolve, i.e. it is saturated.  The Borax and the PVOH react when they are mixed together.  In the chemical reaction, the Borax links the polymer strands of PVOH molecules together, trapping the water between them and creating a new substance: Slime!  The participant needs to mix these ingredients together by rubbing the bag vigorously to make sure all the chemicals have reacted.  When there are no more runny liquids in the bag and it starts to clump together, your Slime is ready to play with! 

Tips for caring for your Slime: 

  • Play with your Slime only on a smooth, clean surface.  We recommend a kitchen counter or table.

  • DO NOT play with Slime on carpet or furniture.  It will come off with soap and hot water; but you shouldn't tempt fate ... or your parents' tempers!

  • Slime is non-toxic, but please don't eat it!

  • When not in use, keep Slime sealed in its airtight bag and in the refrigerator.  This will keep it fresh and slimy for quite a while.

  • Of course, always wash your hands after playing with Slime. 

Slime is a fee-based workshop that costs $2.00 per batch of slime.  Slime workshops take place frequently on Saturdays and Sundays, and generally on request during the week.  School groups can reserve their own private Slime demonstration by contacting our Reservations Coordinator at (517)485-8116 ext 32.  For more information about Slime please contact Micaela at .