Exploring Science at Home with Toddlers

This week, we’re diving into a fun, hands-on science activity called oobleck! It’s the perfect way for toddlers to learn about the properties of matter, how things can change, and how to measure at home.

What we are learning

In this activity, toddlers will explore the following concepts:

• How properties can change – toddlers will see first-hand how the mixture of cornflour and water behaves differently when pressure is applied versus when it’s left to sit still. It’s a great opportunity to discuss liquids and solids.
• Using standard units of measurement – this activity gives toddlers the chance to practice measuring ingredients in standard units like cups. It’s a hands-on approach to learning math concepts and preparing them for more complex measurements as they grow.

Materials you’ll need

Before you begin, gather these simple materials:

• Measuring cups
• Cornflour (also called corn starch)
• Water
• A bowl or tray
• Food colouring (optional, but fun for added colour!)

The activity

• Measure the cornflour – help the children measure 1 cup of cornflour and pour it into the bowl or tray. Discuss what the cornflour feels like. Is it soft or grainy?
• Add the water – next, measure 1 cup of water and add a few drops of food colouring if desired. Slowly pour the water into the cornflour and stir. Encourage the children to describe the changes they observe. What happens when the water mixes with the cornflour? Does it stay thick or thin?
• Experiment with consistency – the best part of this activity is the experimentation! Ask the children to feel the mixture with their hands. If it’s too thick, slowly add more water. If it’s too thin, add more cornflour. Encourage the children to describe the consistency as it changes.
• Feel the magic of oobleck – show them how to squeeze the mixture. When they apply pressure, it becomes thick and hard. However, if they stop squeezing, it turns back into a liquid! Have them try to hold the oobleck in their hands. They’ll notice that if they open their hands, the oobleck will flow right through their fingers.

Extending the activity

• Why not take it a step further? Here are a few ideas for expanding the fun:
• Go big – why not make a larger batch and spread it out in a bigger tray? Encourage your child to take off their shoes and feel the oobleck on their feet. It’s a whole new sensory experience!
• Read a story – dive deeper into the concept of oobleck by reading Bartholomew and the oobleck, a delightful book by Dr. Seuss that explores the magical substance in a fun and whimsical way.

Open-ended questions to encourage learning

The best way to deepen your child’s understanding is to engage them with open-ended questions that make them think. Here are a few questions you can ask as you explore the oobleck together:

• What is happening when you squeeze the oobleck?
• What happens when you move your fingers through the oobleck slowly?
• What happens if you add more water or cornflour to the mixture?

Safety first, safety always

• Though oobleck (or “gloop”) is non-toxic, it’s essential to keep safety in mind:
• Avoid contact with eyes – as with any activity involving substances, be careful not to let the mixture get in your little one’s eyes.
• Clean hands – after handling the oobleck, wash hands thoroughly.
• Don’t pour it down the drain – as the mixture hardens, it can clog pipes. Allow it to solidify, then dispose of it in the bin.

Why this activity is perfect for toddlers

This hands-on activity doesn’t just teach scientific concepts like the properties of matter; it also engages toddlers’ senses. They get to touch, squeeze, and explore a substance that changes form, offering an exciting experience that piques their curiosity. Additionally, the process of measuring ingredients and observing changes in the mixture is a great introduction to basic math and science.

By experimenting with oobleck, toddlers will get a feel for how properties can change in a tangible and playful way, laying the foundation for more complex scientific concepts as they grow.

So why not try it out at home? Watch as your child explores, asks questions, and discovers the magic of science in their own hands!