Frozen Oobleck Insect Sensory Bin (2024)

With Spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to make afrozen oobleck insect sensory bin.Colorful bug toys and easy pantry supplies will have your kids “goin’ buggy” for this sensory-meets-science treat.

Table of Contents:

1. What is a frozen oobleck insect sensory bin?
2. Why science and sensory go hand-in-hand
3. Materials
4. Let’s make a frozen oobleck insect sensory bin
5. What happens to oobleck when it freezes?
6. How to clean your frozen oobleck insect sensory bin
7. FAQ

What is a frozen oobleck insect sensory bin?

Just when you thought oobleck was the coolest thing in the world, it gets cooler (literally).

The best part? Frozen oobleck is made from the same ingredients and follows the same directions as regular oobleck. The only difference is that it’s put in the freezer the night before.

When you toss some bugs into the oobleck before popping it into the freezer, suddenly, you have a two-for-one activity: Kids get to excavate bugsandlater play with the ooey, gooey sensory material.

There’s simply nothing not to love!

Related:Download ourFREE “Insect vs. Not an Insect” photo sortfor literacy + science fun

Why science and sensory go hand-in-hand

When teachers create their weekly lesson plans to explore insects, they often categorize them as science lessons.

During the lesson, the teacher might read some books about insects, introduce photos of insects, and talk about their characteristics.

But what if I told you that sensory play elevated and reinforced science?

After kids learn the scientific foundations of the insect world, when they play with an activity like this, you’ll overhear kids use language such as:

• “My insect is hiding in its habitat.”
• “The caterpillar has the same number of legs as the beetle.”
• “I can see the ladybug’s three body parts.”

When children are provided with opportunities to play andusethe knowledge they have been told, learningskyrockets.

Don’t miss these other bug & insect faves!

• Insect Ice Excavation
• Bug Sensory Bin with Dyed Rice
• Preschool Ladybug Art Muffin Tin Prints
• Playdough Bugs

Materials

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• Cornstarch
• Water
• Cocoa powder – you could also use brown paint or brown liquid watercolors
• Shallow tray
• Bug and insect toys – we used the large class-sized set, but this adorable smaller set is another fave of ours
• Popsicle sticks – or other hard item for excavating the bugs

Let’s make a frozen oobleck insect sensory bin

Part 1: Make the oobleck

First, make your oobleck by mixing two parts cornstarch with one part water in a shallow tray (ex: 2 cups cornstarch + 1 cup water).

To make your oobleck brown, you can try either method:

• Add cocoa powder directly into your cornstarch + water mix (as much as you want)
• Color your water brown with either paint or liquid watercolors before mixing with the cornstarch

Mix until thoroughly combined. You’ll know your oobleck is perfect when it feels firm when you squeeze a handful but oozes through your fingers when you release pressure.

Add several plastic bugs and insects to your shallow oobleck tray.

Freeze overnight.

Part 2: Excavate the insects + play with melting oobleck

Provide your child with a popsicle stick and invite them to try and excavate the insects from the frozen oobleck block.

As the oobleck thaws, it will transform from a hard chunk of frozen oobleck to melty, fluid, ooey oobleck.

What happens to oobleck when it freezes?

When your tray is first popped out of the freezer, it will be a frozen solid block (and absolutely fantastic).

Provide your child with popsicle sticks and invite them to try to excavate the insects. We had a blast removing the frozen oobleck chunk and dropping it to break it into smaller, more manageable pieces.

Tip:To expedite the thawing process, you can:

• Try this activity on a warm day
• Remove the frozen oobleck from the freezer about 30 minutes before you’re ready to play
• Set your tray in the sun to help it melt faster

In the preschool classroom, we are outside for a 2+ block of play, and this can easily stretch for two hours of fun as it changes states.

How to clean your frozen oobleck insect sensory bin

Oobleck is always easiest to clean by letting it dry out completely.

Leave your oobleck trays out for several days until it’s bone-dry.

Once it’s dry, it easily breaks into large pieces, and the plastic insects are easy to remove.

FAQ