What You Need

• 4 cups sand
• 2 cups cornstarch
• 1 cup water
• Bowl
• Smock or cover-up

How to Do this Activity

This activity can get messy! Make sure to have your child cover up with a smock, apron, or old t-shirt before starting. Have your child use her hands to mix the sand and cornstarch in the bowl. Give her time to feel the two textures. Slowly pour the water in as she’s mixing and have her move the materials around until everything is combined. Ask, “What does it feel like?” Give her time to play with the moon sand and figure out what it can do.

What Your Child Learns

Each material has a different texture; when combined, the materials make an entirely new substance. As your child squeezes, pushes, and manipulates the moon sand, she learns about volume and form.