Rubber Flub

Who would guess that mixing two liquids would result in something that bounces, stretches, breaks, and molds to your hands. It even picks up the ink from newsprint. Watching the chemical reaction between these ingredients is a great science lesson!

3/4 cup cold water
1 cup white glue (like Elmer's)
3/4 cup hot water (from the tap)
1 1/2 teaspoons Borax
a few drops of food coloring (optional)

1. In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup water and glue.
2. In a separate small bowl, combine water, Borax, and food coloring until Borax is dissolved.
3. Pour Borax mixture into glue mixture.
4. Stir until solid forms and then squeeze until thoroughly combined. If there is a little liquid excess, pour off.
5. Play!
6. Store in refrigerator to prevent molding.

Yield: about 2 cups

cook's tip: Borax can be found with the detergents in most grocery stores.

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The Best Ever Playdough

This playdough is soft, smooth, and scented according to the flavor of soft drink mix you use. It is easy to make (only requires boiling water and mixing) and my kids like it better than store-bought playdough. It does not have the rough, gritty consistency that some homemade playdoughs have. It is not meant for eating, but doesn't cause any harm if swallowed.

1 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup salt
1 package unsweetened flavored soft drink mix (such as Koolaid)
1 cup boiling water
1 1/2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and drink mix.
2. Heat water in microwave until boiling (about 3 minutes).
3. Add the oil to the water.
4. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour the liquids in.
5. Mix thoroughly with a large spoon.
6. Knead on a large cutting board until cool. Don't use the counter as the drink mix can stain before it is mixed with the oil and other ingredients. You don't need to add extra flour while kneading because dough does not stick and it will thicken as it cools.
7. Play!

Store in a sealed container for future use. In spite of the vibrant colors this playdough does not stain hands or surfaces once it is thoroughly mixed.

This playdough will last several months on average. Its lifetime depends on the amount of use and time it is left out of the container.

Yield: 1 3/4 cups

tot tips: let them help knead the dough when it is cool enough, they can also stir the dry ingredients. This is a good activity for kids who are sick and bored with being indoors. You can throw the dough away after they play with it to avoid spreading germs.

You probably have lots of 'tools' in the kitchen to use with the playdough. A rolling pin and cookie cutters, a garlic press to make grass or hair, chopsticks to poke holes, etc.

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