Making Goop step-by-step

Goop (also known as ooblek) is a big hit with all ages in our workshops. There's something irresistible about the way it morphs from a solid state to a melting, oozing substance and then back again. 

We make big trays of it in masses of colours at Big Wild Imagination but if you want to enjoy the fun at home here's how to make a smaller batch.

What you'll need:

• 1 x packet cornflour (approx 300g) - any brand

• cold water

• food colouring or liquid watercolours

• shallow tray or tub

• (optional) little toys, spoons, containers and utensils for scooping and filling

Tip the cornflour into your tray or tub and add the water a little at a time, mixing as you go. Hands work well here but you can also use a spoon, mixing until you get a liquid like consistency. The ratio is 2 parts cornflour to 1 part water.

Add your preferred colour and mix through. Or add a few colours and experiment with colour mixing. (Note: some food colours will temporarily stain hands when used in Goop - but nothing a good bath can't get out later).

Once it is all mixed together, you can press it and it will be hard and crumbly but let it go and it will trickle through your fingers. Can you try and make a ball with it? Can you scoop it into a container? What happens when you press your hands on it? So many experiments - so MUCH fun!

We recommend playing with your Goop outside or using a drop sheet as little hands have a tendency to flick this stuff about. However cleanup is easy as it rinses away from hands and clothes with warm water, or if you let it dry it can be brushed off or vacuumed up.

Goop can be stored in a ziplock bag or airtight container to be played with on another day but you may need to add a little more water to re-use it. However we don't recommend keeping it for more than a few days as it can get pretty smelly! When completely finished you can throw it in the bin - don't put it down the sink - it might clog your drain!