Chalk 'n the mix
Why play this way?
If this, then that…then…WOW! These three sensory play ideas use chalk powder to explore states of matter and experiment with cause and effect. Your little one will get their hands wet while practicing scientific thinking through chalk-inspired chemistry. These explorations encourage sensory risk-taking, foster motor and language skills, and invite imaginative play.
SET THE STAGE FOR PLAY: 10 Minutes
Ready
Several pieces of chalk to crush
Large Ziploc bag
Mallet or rolling pin
Bowl
1 ½ cups cornstarch
1 cup water
Ice cube tray
Baking soda
Vinegar
Set
Fill a Ziploc bag with chalk and crush it until you have a mixture of sand-sized bits and fine powder.
Play!
Chalk Squishin'
Make Oobleck: Combine cornstarch and water.
Add some crushed chalk to make it Chalk’bleck!
Explore your speckled sensory slime.
- Scoop, lift and mold your Chalk’bleck and notice it change from solid to liquid.
- Pinch the tiny, colorful bits of chalk.
Play!
Chalk Chillin'
Fill each section of your ice cube tray halfway with chalk powder.
Add water & mix with a finger.
Place the tray in the freezer for a couple of hours.
Remove your frozen chalk and play!
- Stack & slide your slippery cubes.
- Add warm & cold water to experiment.
- Use your frozen chalk to paint.
Play!
Chalk ’splosion
Create a 2:1 mixture of baking soda & chalk powder.
Pour in vinegar to set off a chemical reaction!
- Put your ear up close & listen to the fizzle.
- Experiment with adding different colors of powder and amounts of baking soda & vinegar.
