This activity has been revised and was originally created by Kathy Heydt and Monica Allon and published in the Perkins Activity and Resource Guide (1st edition, 1992). The second edition is available for purchase.
Oobly Goop has a texture unlike any other, making it an interesting material to work with. Creating and playing with it will encourage the student to work on isolated finger, hand and arm movements, as well as finger strength. It sets the stage for future baking and cooking projects that include mixing. Lessons include Orientation and Mobility and Independent Living Skills.
Materials
Water, cornstarch, food coloring, plastic bowl, nonslip surface
Procedure
- Have the student sit comfortably at a table with the Oobly Goop mix in a plastic bowl in front of her. With the bowl placed on a nonslip mat, the student uses her hands to mix one-half cup of cornstarch and one-quarter cup of water. Have the student “grab” the Oobly Goop with her fingers and let it drip.
- Encourage the student to push her fingers through the mixture.
- The mixture can be reused.
- Add drops of food coloring to the water.
- Add more water.
- Add more cornstarch.
- Use a tray instead of a bowl (the Oobly Goop spreads out).
- Separately, use sand with or without water for a related, but very different, texture experience.
Hints: Oobly Goop cleans easily, but try to keep the mixture in a bowl. Have the student wear a smock and spread newspaper over the work surface. A student who has difficulty touching different textures may not want to participate. Do not push her.
