Moldable Sand Factory

What you need

• Cornstarch, 1 cup
• Cooking oil, 1/2 cup, plus extra spoonfuls for adjusting
• Clear cups, a few
• Sand, 8 cups
• Big tub, 1
• Blanket, 1 old sheet or tarp
• Spoon, a few
• Container with a lid, 1
• Small waterproof toys (not for under 3s), a few shells or small toys (optional)

How to do it

Grown-up prep: Do this outside or over a big sheet, because sand travels. Keep little ones from putting sand in mouths or eyes, and wipe up any oil drips so nobody slips.

1. Pour all the sand into the big tub.
2. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and mix it through the sand with your hands.
3. Drizzle in the oil a little at a time, mixing as you go.
4. Squeeze a handful, then poke it. Does it clump and crumble?
   Ask: What do you think will happen when you press it, and what when you poke it?
5. Fix your mix: too dry or too sticky? Add a little and mix again.
6. Pack sand into a cup, flip it over, and lift to make a tower.
   Ask: How tall do you think you can build your tower before it wobbles?
7. Carve windows, doors and patterns into your tower with a spoon.
8. Press shells or small toys into the sand to make prints.
9. Scoop all the sand into the lidded tub and put the lid on.
10. Now build a whole sand city, or invite a friend to join! What will you build next?
    Ask: What would you like to build or print next time?

Play it again

• Tallest tower: see whose cup tower stands the tallest without falling over.
• Print guessing game: one person makes a print while the others look away, then everyone guesses what made it.
• Sand city: build a whole town with roads, bridges and carved buildings.