MELTING SNOW SENSORY PLAY
I’ll admit it, I enjoy playing with oobleck as much as any child! The sensation of it oozing through my fingers is so delightful, it’s hard not to get lost in the moment. There’s something so calming and fascinating about watching it shift from a solid to a liquid and back again.
When the snow starts to fall, there's a certain magic in the air that invites creativity and play. At Autumn Fraser, we believe in making learning beautiful, and what better way to explore winter wonders than with a sensory activity that combines science, play, and a touch of winter magic? Why not try melting snow oobleck—a simple, eco-friendly, and endlessly fun non-Newtonian fluid that mimics the look and feel of melting snow. Perfect for using with our sensory tools, this activity is a hit for kids of all ages!
What Is Oobleck?
Oobleck is a fascinating substance made from just two ingredients: cornstarch and water. It’s a non-Newtonian fluid, which means it acts like a liquid when poured but feels solid when pressure is applied. This makes it an amazing sensory experience and a hands-on way to learn about science concepts like states of matter and viscosity. For this winter twist, we’ll make oobleck that looks like melting snow—a perfect complement to your child’s imagination.
What You’ll Need:
-
2 cups of cornstarch
-
1 cup of water (adjust as needed - temperature, humidity, freshness of cornstarch can all effect the amount needed)
-
Optional: white mica powder or a drop of natural blue food coloring for a snowy effect
-
A shallow tray or container for mixing and playing
-
Your favorite sensory tools, like our textured icy rectangles, It's snowing sensory set, or our confier tree sensory tray.
How to Make Melting Snow Oobleck:
-
Set Up: Place your tray or container on a flat surface covered with a cloth or mat for easy cleanup.
-
Mix the Ingredients: In the tray, combine the cornstarch and water. Start with 1 cup of water and slowly add more as needed. The mixture should feel solid when pressed but flow like a liquid when you release pressure.
-
Add the Snowy Touch: Stir in glitter, mica powder, or food coloring to give your oobleck a wintery look. Keep it subtle for a magical, melting snow effect.
-
Play and Explore: Use your sensory tools to scoop, press, and create patterns in the oobleck. Encourage your little ones to describe what they feel and see as they play. Does the oobleck feel cold like snow? How does it move?
Winter Learning Through Play
This activity isn’t just fun; it’s also a learning powerhouse! Here are some benefits:
-
Science Exploration: Talk about why oobleck behaves the way it does. Is it a solid or a liquid?
-
Fine Motor Skills: Scooping, pressing, and molding the oobleck with tools strengthens hand-eye coordination.
-
Imaginative Play: Create snowy landscapes, melting snowmen, or sparkling ice rivers using sensory toys.
-
Eco-Friendly Fun: Using bio-based sensory tools and natural ingredients keeps playtime sustainable.
Easy Cleanup Tips
Cleanup is simple: just let the oobleck dry out, then scrape it into the trash. Any residue can be wiped away with warm water. Be sure to dispose of the oobleck in the trash, not the sink, as cornstarch can clog drains.
Share the Winter Fun!
We’d love to see your creations! Tag us on Instagram @autumn_fraser_ and show us how you’re using your sensory tools with melting snow oobleck. Let’s celebrate the beauty of learning through play this winter season!