Space Mud
[40 Minutes]
Guide your child through a new sensory experience as you make and play with "space mud"!
You'll need:
• 2 measuring cups white glue • 1 1/2 measuring cups water at room temperature • 1 measuring cup hot water • 2 1/2 level tablespoons "20 Mule Team Borax" • food coloring • 2 bowls • spoon • covered container for storage
What to do:
- Help your child mix glue and room temperature water with food coloring in a bowl.
- Combine hot water and Borax in a larger bowl. Help your child stir the mixture until it is dissolved.
- Slowly pour the glue mixture into the Borax mixture stirring constantly. It will thicken. If there is extra liquid, pour it off.
- Store it in a covered bowl or a zip-locking bag for several weeks. "Space mud" will not stick to dry surfaces and is easy to clean up. It may stick to wet surfaces.
How to use:
- Encourage your child to try cutting "space goo" with a plastic knife.
- Challenge him to tear or stretch it with his hands, or let it "melt" off the edge of the table.
- Invite him to roll it like a snake and hold it in his hands so that it hangs down. What happens?
- Challenge him to pull it apart. Talk about what happens.
Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.
- What happens when you stir the two mixtures together?
- What color did you choose for your "space mud"?
- How can you play with this new material called "space mud"?
- What could we add to this mixture to change it? How do you think it would change?
Useful information:
While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop observational skills and an understanding of cause and effect.
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