Moon Sand

When you look up at the night sky, have you ever noticed that the moon is completely riddled with all kinds of holes and lines that make it look like a big chunk of Swiss cheese? Those holes are actually called craters and are there because massive rocks flying through space, called asteroids, have crashed into the surface of the moon. The lines that come out from the craters are called rays and are giant ridges of lunar soil that were displaced by the asteroid’s impact.

You can create a small model moon and asteroid impact with just three simple ingredients: flour, vegetable oil, and small stones or marbles. Not only is it easy to make and great for asteroid experimentation, but also the moon sand you create is perfect for unstructured play. This easily moldable but still crumbly concoction can bring early learners hours of sensory exploration and adults may even find themselves wanting to take part as well!!

Creating moon sand does not require many ingredients. I created a small batch with 2 cups of flour and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil. It can be scaled up or down for desired quantity. Additionally, the vegetable oil can be substituted easily for any other cooking oil or baby oil. Besides that all that is needed is a large mixing bowl and your asteroids.

Your moon sand has been created, and now it is time to form the surface of your moon. Pat down the sand until is compacted and firm.

Once you’ve experimented with your asteroids, explore the moon sand to your heart’s content. What kind of shapes can you make? Incorporate molds or food coloring. The moon sand can keep for up to a month if you seal the top between uses.