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Glowing Bouncy Moon Rocks

A fun, glowing, bouncy craft activity for kids using simple pantry and craft ingredients.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day
Course Activity
Cuisine Craft
Servings 12 moon rocks
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white washable glue
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 3 tablespoons glow-in-the-dark powder
  • 1 plastic tray
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 plastic tablecloth or newspaper for workspace covering
  • 1 baking sheet or additional tray for drying

Instructions
 

  • Cover your workspace with a plastic tablecloth or newspaper and place a plastic tray underneath a mixing bowl to catch any drips.
  • Pour the white glue into the mixing bowl, then add the water and stir until the mixture looks smooth and evenly combined.
  • Gradually add the cornstarch while stirring until a thick, dough-like mixture forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  • Sprinkle the baking soda evenly over the surface of the dough.
  • Pour the vinegar around the baking soda in the bowl and allow the mixture to fizz until the bubbling mostly stops.
  • Stir the mixture again until the baking soda and vinegar are fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.
  • Add the glow-in-the-dark powder to the bowl and knead or stir until the glow powder is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Let the mixture rest in the bowl for 5 minutes so it can thicken slightly and become easier to shape.
  • Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll each portion between your hands to form balls or irregular moon rock shapes.
  • Place each shaped moon rock on a clean plastic tray or baking sheet so they are not touching.
  • Leave the moon rocks at room temperature to air dry for at least 24 hours, turning them once halfway through drying to help them dry evenly.
  • Once dry and slightly bouncy, charge the moon rocks under a bright light for several minutes before turning off the lights to enjoy their glow.

Notes

- This project is for play only and is not edible; supervise children during the entire activity.
- If the dough feels too sticky while shaping, lightly dust your hands with a small amount of cornstarch.
- For quicker drying, place the rocks on a tray in a very low warm oven with the door slightly open for 30 to 45 minutes, then finish drying at room temperature.
- Store completely dry moon rocks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to help preserve their glow.
Keyword glow in the dark craft, Glowing Bouncy Moon Rocks, kids activity, Non-Edible, sensory play