Keep a Toddler Busy: Sticky, Slimy Gak

Gak, goo, slime. There are probably a million different names for this stuff. Whatever you call it, it's great. It's not quite liquid, not quite solid and it's messy enough to keep my toddler busy for hours. It's easy to make and easy to clean up. Don't be alarmed by the messy part. That's why it's so much fun.

Ingredients:
2.5 cups corn starch
1 cup water
Food coloring (optional)

Put the cornstarch in a mixing bowl or casserole pan. Your preference. I think the gak is easier to play with in a casserole pan but you might find it easier to mix it in a bowl and then pour it in the pan. I've done it both ways and either if fine. Do what works for you.

Anyhow, once you've got your cornstarch in a bowl or pan, slowly add the water and a few drops of food coloring while stirring as best your can. I use a combination of spoon and hands to mix it. It will feel weird. It will seem hard to mix. Like I said above, it's not quite a liquid and it's not quite a solid. It will look like a liquid that is easy to stir but it will feel like you're stirring something solid. Keep at it.

You may need to add a little more water or cornstarch to get the right consistency. You'll know it's the right consistency when you can run your finger through it and you see it break apart in solid looking pieces that immediately blend together like a liquid.

That's why this stuff is so much fun. It's fascinating to watch it and touch it. It's always changing. The cornstarch never really dissolves in the liquid. The cornstarch particles are suspended in the water forming a type of colloid. If you work quickly you can roll it into a ball. But if you stop moving and let it sit in your hand it will run down through your fingers like a liquid. (Disclaimer, I'm not a scientist. Sorry if that's not a very good explanation). 

As you your toddler plays with the gak it will eventually get more and more dry. If, like my daughter, they play with it for several hours at a time you may need to add more water. You'll notice it starts breaking apart and not melting back together. Just slowly add and mix in more water until it's back to it's not quite liquid state.

When it's time to put it away I just cover it with plastic wrap and leave it on the counter until next time. You'll definitely need to add water before the next play session. It lasts for a long time around here...and clean up is easy. All you need is water. It washes away completely and is not sticky. I just rinse my daughter in the sink and wipe off the table with a wet rag. Usually what has fallen on the floor is dry enough that it can be swept up with a broom. I think it's just as easy to clean up as the tabletop beach even though it looks like it makes a much bigger mess. I would not recommend playing with it over carpet.  

Have fun!

This post is part of Frugal Friday, and Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways.