Making magic mud (also called "oobleck") and playing with it is a fun activity that can keep kids busy for hours. There are different versions of this substance and each of them requires different raw materials. Either way, they're all easy to make at home. You can make magic mud using real mud, corn starch or even potatoes.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using Corn Starch
Step 1. Prepare everything you need
To create the magic mud, you will need 2 cups of cornstarch, 1 cup of water and some food coloring. You will also need a bowl to mix all the ingredients. You could also make a spoon to mix them, but it's not mandatory.
- Use a medium or large bowl. It should be large enough to easily hold cornstarch and water. Make sure you leave some room for mixing.
- You can use any food coloring you want.
Step 2. Put the ingredients in the bowl
First pour in the 2 cups of cornstarch, then add 1 cup of water and finally a few drops of food coloring.
The amount of food coloring to use depends on your preferences. Pour in one drop at a time until you get the desired color
Step 3. Mix the ingredients
Using your hands is the absolute most effective way to mix them. If you don't want to get dirty, you can help yourself with a spoon. Make sure you mix them well.
You can add larger amounts of food coloring to achieve the desired color
Step 4. Play with the magic mud
First of all, you will notice that mud has properties typical of both a solid and a liquid substance. Experiment by dropping an object onto the surface of the mud. Try rolling it into a ball or squeezing it.
Method 2 of 4: Using Real Mud
Step 1. Get everything you need
You'll need soil, water, baking soda, white vinegar, and powdered paint. Also prepare a bowl to mix the raw materials. Finally, you will need a spoon and various containers, which will allow you to store the final product.
- To start, use equal parts of earth and water.
- Use any type of gouache you want. You can also choose more than one color.
Step 2. Mix part of the ingredients
In a large bowl, mix soil, water, and baking soda. Start by calculating equal parts of land and water. Add larger amounts of these ingredients to achieve the desired consistency. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Mix by hand or with a large spoon.
Leave enough space in the bowl to mix the ingredients
Step 3. Add the tempera powder
If you want to store the mud in various containers, transfer it before incorporating the tempera. Distributed the mud in the containers, pour the tempera on the surface of the substance. You will see that the mud will begin to change color.
Try using muffin molds or cake pans to create different shapes with the magic mud
Step 4. Add white vinegar
Measure 1 cup of vinegar and pour it over the magic mud. You will see that a chemical reaction will be triggered on contact with the bicarbonate. You can keep adding more vinegar until it stops reacting with the baking soda. The color of the bubbles in the mud will vary depending on the paint you used.
Method 3 of 4: Using Potatoes
Step 1. Prepare everything you need
To make magic mud with this method, you'll need a bag of potatoes, water, a food processor (or knife), 2 bowls, a colander, a pot (or kettle) and a jar. If you decide to use a knife instead of the food processor, also prepare a cutting board or a safe surface for making cuts.
You can use any type of potato you want
Step 2. Chop the potatoes
To make a good amount of magic mud, you will need several potatoes. However, the recipe does not provide precise doses. Cut the potatoes into small pieces using the food processor. If you don't have one available, cut them into very small pieces using a knife.
- If the recipe is being done by a child, it is important that an adult is present to help cut the potatoes.
- Potatoes can be peeled or not. The presence of the peel does not alter the final result.
Step 3. Heat the water
Heat about 6 cups of water using the pot or kettle. Make sure you use enough water to coat the chopped potatoes. If needed, you can add more later.
Step 4. Pour the water over the chopped potatoes
Mix the potatoes with the water using a large spoon. You will see that the liquid will begin to change color. Stir the potatoes for about 2 minutes.
Step 5. Drain the potatoes
Place the colander on another large bowl. Pour the water and potatoes into it. The water will be filtered into the container below, while the potatoes will remain in the colander. Let the water sit for 10 minutes. At this point you can throw away the potatoes or, better yet, recycle them in the kitchen.
You will observe that the water will begin to separate creating a white layer on the bottom and a liquid layer on the surface
Step 6. Eliminate the liquid layer
You can pour it into the sink or dirty bowl. Only the white layer will remain in the container. You can repeat this process by adding clean water to the white matter. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then discard any remaining water on the surface.
Step 7. Play with the magic mud
The white substance you have left is nothing but potato starch. It has properties very similar to those of the corn starch mixture. It will be compact to the touch when you try to shape it, while it will turn into a liquid when you apply pressure.
Potato starch turns into magic mud because it does not dissolve in water, instead remaining suspended inside it. Its creep resistance, or its viscosity, changes when pressure is applied. This means that it is a non-Netwonian fluid, that is a substance with characteristics typical of both a liquid and a solid
Method 4 of 4: Play Safe
Step 1. Don't eat the magic mud
Although some recipes involve the use of edible ingredients, the preparation is not intended for food consumption. Magic mud is meant for experimenting and playing, not a snack. Young children should be monitored during the procedure to prevent them from ingesting it.
Step 2. Create a designated space to prepare and play with the magic mud
It is advisable to do these experiments in the open air, as the magic mud can make a lot of dirt. If this is not possible, perform the experiment on a piece of plastic or cardboard. This will make cleaning easier.
Step 3. Use all tools carefully
Be careful when cutting potatoes. If used incorrectly, knives and food processors are dangerous. If you are a child, ask an adult to do the cut or supervise you as you do it.
