Slime Making Challenge W/ DIY Star @Craftbunny

If I don't have saline contact lens solution or air-dry clay, what can I use instead?

Use liquid starch (add 1 tablespoon in the same step where you would add saline) or a borax solution made by dissolving 1/2 teaspoon borax in 1 cup warm water and adding a little at a time to activate the slime, and substitute modeling clay, oven-bake clay, or a small rolled-up piece of aluminum foil decorated with glitter for the DIY star.

My slime is too sticky or won't form — which step is likely the problem and how do I fix it?

If the mixture doesn't pull away from the sides after you 'add 1 tablespoon of saline contact lens solution' and then knead for about 2 minutes, add one or two extra drops of saline while kneading until it firms up, and if it becomes too stiff or crumbly, add a few drops of warm water and continue kneading until it becomes stretchy.

How can I adapt the activity for younger children or make it more challenging for older kids?

For preschoolers, have an adult pre-measure the 1/2 cup white glue, 1/2 cup warm water, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and supervise stirring and pressing the clay star, while older kids can experiment with different food coloring amounts, types of glitter, mix-ins during the 'add food coloring and glitter' step, or scale up to multiple batches and stars.

What are easy ways to extend or personalize the slime and glittery star after the activity?

Press a small hole in the air-dry clay star before it fully dries and attach a jump ring to clip it onto the slime as a charm, or personalize the slime by mixing in foam beads, sequins, or glow-in-the-dark pigment during the 'add food coloring and glitter' step.