In celebration of the return of science experiments, The Northern Star is providing two for the price of one — how to create slime and rock candy.

What you’ll need

To create rock candy, you will need six inches of string, a pencil, one paperclip, one cup of water, two cups of sugar, a glass jar and patience.

Step 1:

First, tie the string to the middle of the pencil and tie the paper clip to the end of the string. Put the pencil across the top of the jar and dangle the string inside without it touching the bottom or sides.

Step 2:

With the string properly measured, remove it from the jar. Pour the water into a pan and bring it to a boil. Slowly pour the sugar into the boiling water, stirring constantly.

Step 3:

Keep adding sugar until no more will dissolve. This may take a while. Now pour the boiling solution into the bottle and place the string inside. Say the magic words — “please” usually works best. Sugar crystals will form over the next few weeks.

In the meanwhile

While waiting for rock candy, try this experiment to make slime. Necessary materials include: two disposable cups, food coloring, water, Borax (available at most grocery stores near the laundry detergent), a small plate and a plastic spoon.

Step 1:

Start by mixing about a teaspoon of the Borax into a cup of water and stir (it usually doesn’t fully dissolve).

Step 2:

Then add an inch and a half of glue to the plastic cup. Add three tablespoons of water to the glue, stir, add food coloring and stir again.

Step 3:

Add two tablespoons of the Borax solution and stir well. Place the slime on the dish. Allow it to sit for about 30 seconds before playing with it. Be sure to keep the slime away from kids and pets.

Finally

Hopefully by the time you have bored yourself with slime, the rock candy will be fully formed and ready to eat.