Let your kids be scientists for a day as they estimate, pour, and blend the ingredients of this DIY kinetic sand. As they squish and form sand, their motor and social skills will enhance as well. Here, we'll teach you how to create a homemade version without leaving a mess.
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Homemade Kinetic Sand in 7 Easy Steps | DIY Kinetic Sand
What You'll Need:
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cup
- Dish soap or washing liquid
- Fine and dry white sand or play sand
- Food coloring
- Corn starch
- One cup of water
Step 1: Pour Sand Into a Bowl
Put your sand into a mixing bowl. Depending on your preference, you can put as much sand as you want.
Remember to keep your sand completely dry. If it's moist, lay it out on a baking sheet, then bake it at 120°F for 30 minutes to remove excess water. Afterward, be sure to cool it down first before you place it into your bowl.
Step 2: Put in Cornstarch
Add two tablespoons of cornstarch into your bowl with sand. You can let your kids do this process, and teach them how to get an exact measurement. Allow them to scoop the cornstarch, then use their finger to brush excess powder on top of the spoon.
Step 3: Blend Sand and Cornstarch
Combine your sand and cornstarch. Use your measuring spoon to blend them completely. Then, set this mixture aside.
Step 4: Create a Soapy Water Solution
In another bowl, blend one teaspoon of dish soap and a cup of water. Stir until you see bubbles on the surface.
Since kinetic sand is composed of 98% sand and 2% polymer, you have to add polymer to your play sand. The dish soap in this solution contains a polymer. This is what will give your play sand its kinetic-like condition, making it fun to squeeze and shape.
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Step 5: Add Color to Your Soapy Water Mixture
You can make your DIY kinetic sand vibrant and colorful. Choose your favorite shades, and put six drops of food coloring into your soapy water solution. In this part, you can also teach your kids how to make secondary colors by mixing two primary colors.
Step 6: Add the Colored Solution to Your Sand and Cornstarch
Pour your soapy water solution into your bowl of sand and cornstarch. Ensure to do it slowly to achieve a thick consistency. If you add the solution too fast, your DIY kinetic sand will be runny.
Blend them together until you reach your preferred texture. Add more water if needed.
Step 7: Play With Your DIY Kinetic Sand
Now, you've come to the most awaited part – enjoy your DIY kinetic sand! Have fun slicing and molding it into different shapes. You can also use shovels and buckets to feel like you're at the beach.
After playing, keep it in an air-tight box to maintain its consistency. Should your sand get dry, add more soapy water mixture.
This is how it should look like:
Watch this satisfying kinetic sand compilation video by Sand Tagious:
This DIY kinetic sand only takes a few hours and simple ingredients to make. Let your kids experiment and transform sand into a thrilling amusement.
What other ingredients do you use in making DIY kinetic sand? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
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