Quicksand is nothing more than a soupy mixture of sand and water, where the sand is literally floating (suspended) in the water. Scientifically speaking, quicksand is a substance that behaves like a solid and a liquid at the same time. It is just solid ground that has been liquefied by too much water; the term "quick" refers to how easily the sand shifts when in this solid-liquid state.

Materials:

• 1 cup of cornstarch
• 3/4 cup water

• food coloring (optional)
• plastic bowl or bin

Instructions

1. Measure 3/4 cup of water in a plastic measuring cup.
2. Add a couple of drops of food coloring to the water.
3. Measure 1 cup of cornstarch into a plastic bowl or bin.
4. Slowly add the water and food coloring.
5. Mix. It will take about 10 minutes to be evenly mixed. You may need to add more water and/or cornstarch to get the consistency just right.

DO NOT POUR QUICKSAND DOWN THE DRAIN. IT MAY SEPARATE AND BECOME A HARD CLUMP OF CORNSTARCH!

To learn more about the benefits of sensory play, visit Sensory Play and Early Child Development.