Slime Mould Maze Activity Kit

Watch a living slime mould explore, feed and find its way through a maze! This hands-on activity offers a fascinating introduction to the unusual behaviour of slime mould as it searches for food and develops a network between the oats.

The maze arrives pre-set with agar, so everything is ready for you to add the included live slime mould culture and begin your experiment.

What’s included?

  • 1 reusable slime mould maze with lid
  • Pre-set agar growth surface
  • Live slime mould culture
  • Oats for feeding and positioning around the maze

How to set up your maze

  1. Remove the lid from the maze and place it on a clean, level surface.
  2. Add the slime mould. Carefully transfer a small piece from the live culture to one end of the maze.
  3. Add the oats. Place 3–4 small pieces of oat at different intervals along the route, including one at the opposite end of the maze.
  4. Replace the lid to help protect the culture and prevent the agar from drying out.
  5. Store the maze in a dark place at a stable room temperature, away from direct sunlight, radiators and other heat sources.

Observe the slime mould

Check the maze after approximately 24, 48 and 72 hours. You may see the slime mould spreading through the maze, exploring different routes and forming visible networks between the pieces of oat.

Try taking a photograph at each check so you can compare how its route changes over time.

Things to investigate

  • How long does the slime mould take to reach the first oat?
  • Does it explore dead ends before changing direction?
  • Which route does it use to reach the oat at the end?
  • How does its network change between 24, 48 and 72 hours?

Important care information

  • Do not allow the agar surface to dry out.
  • Keep the maze covered except when setting up or briefly observing it.
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
  • Do not eat the culture, agar or supplied oats.
  • Wash your hands after handling the culture or maze contents.
  • Adult supervision is recommended for younger children.

Slime mould is a living organism, so its speed, growth pattern and chosen route will naturally vary. This is part of what makes every maze experiment unique.