A pile of pink kinetic sand with beads making a smiley face.

STREAM Activity: Kinetic Sand

Create your own sandcastle at home!
Activity best for children ages four and up

Kinetic sand is a fantastic sensory play activity that provides hours of entertainment at home while improving fine motor skills. Today we will be making kinetic sand with three simple ingredients.

GUIDING QUESTIONS

  • Why do you think we need to add cornstarch to our kinetic sand?

  • Can you tell the difference between kinetic sand and regular sand?

MATERIALS

  • Cornstarch

  • Sand

  • Vegetable oil

  • Tray

  • Measuring cup

  • Food coloring (optional)

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Gather all of the materials for your kinetic sand.

Materials needed to make kinetic sand.

STEP 2

Start by mixing the dry ingredients (1 1/4 cups of craft sand and 3/4 cup of cornstarch) on a tray.

Craft sand and cornstarch mixed on a tray.

STEP 3

Add 1/4 cup of oil to the combined cornstarch and craft sand.

Oil being poured over combined craft sand and cornstarch.

STEP 4

Now you are ready to play with your kinetic sand!

A pile of pink kinetic sand with beads making a smiley face.