MATTAPOISETT — Librarian Michelle Skaar taught children a chemistry lesson that ended with a sugary snack at the Mattapoisett Library on Saturday, Aug. 31. 

Skaar reviewed the three states of matter, solid, liquid, and gas, and then introduced a substance that doesn’t fit into any of those categories.

Slime occupies a gray area between a liquid and solid. Like a liquid, it doesn't have a defined shape, but it doesn’t flow like water or other liquids.

For curious adults, this is known as a non-newtonian fluid because the viscosity changes based on the amount of pressure applied against it. If you hit slime with your hand, it behaves more like a solid, but if you rest your hand on the surface, it will act more like a liquid.

Skaar said that mucous is a naturally occurring example of slime, but she chose a more sanitary option for the children’s event.

Kids mixed marshmallow fluff with powdered sugar, and food coloring to create their own edible slime.

Skaar said that the event was good for kids because it was both educational, and provided them with a hands-on activity. She said she plans on holding a similar event on Thursday, Sept. 12 called “ Lava Lamp Science.”

This program will be at the Mattapoisett Library at 4 p.m. and is recommended for ages nine and up. Sign up in advance by Sept. 5.