Jelly Sensory Play – How to Make a Zombie Brain with Bugs
This jelly sensory play is all about making an ooey gooey zombie brain that is full of creepy critters! Keep on reading to find out how to make it, as well as an alternative version with frozen oobleck!
A Spooky Jelly Sensory Play
Kiddos will channel their inner surgeon with this spooky jelly sensory play set-up! Creating a jelly brain is anything but complicated – it takes all of a few minutes to mix up and then just pop it in the fridge to set!
Once set, the texture is so fun to explore and poke syringes full of colored water! Plus, including bugs inside the brain is a fun way to work on fine motor skills using tongs and a knife as a tool!
All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.
How to Make This Jelly Sensory Play Activity
Watch the video to see how easy this jelly brain is to make, and how fun it is to play with!
You’ll see how my daughter, age 3, enjoyed injecting the brain with colored water, using the tongs to pick out each bug and wash them! These tools are so great for fine motor skills!
Once she removed all the bugs she explored the sensory properties of the leftover jelly!
How to Make This Jelly Sensory Play Activity
Watch the video to see how easy this jelly brain is to make, and how fun it is to play with!
You’ll see how my daughter, age 3, enjoyed injecting the brain with colored water, using the tongs to pick out each bug and wash them! These tools are so great for fine motor skills!
Once she removed all the bugs she explored the sensory properties of the leftover jelly!
Tips for Making This Ooey Gooey Sensory Activity!
Whether you want a spooky, creepy activity for Halloween, or you simply have a bug fan who will love digging for bugs, this will be a fun activity for you!
Keep in mind that gelatin takes time to set, so be sure to look at the directions on your packaging and plan accordingly!
There is no need for sugary gelatin! We used the most simple, non-flavored gelatin. After all, sensory play is not about eating sensory bases, so we wouldn’t want to encourage that with presenting a yummy jello! Instead, we opted for a flavorless brand. The good news for young toddlers and older babies is that if they do happen to put the jelly in their mouth, it is harmless and taste-safe!
If your kiddo absolutely loves all things bugs, we have a few activities you won’t want to miss! Like our DIY Mud Bug Activity, a spider handprint craft, and our printable all about insects!
Materials
- Tongs, Knife, Medicine Dropper, or other Tools
- Food Colored Water
- Brain Shaped Mold
- Gelatin
- Insect Figurines
- Tongs, Knife, Medicine Dropper, or other Tools
- Food Colored Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
If using Gelatine brand of gelatin, pour 1 cup water into the brain mold and sprinkle one packet of gelatin on top. (a box of Gelatine comes with 4 packets and you will use them all!).
Step 2
Arrange the insects into the mold.
Step 3
Mix 3 cups water and the remaining 3 packets of Gelatine into a saucepan or microwave safe container and bring to a boil. We used the microwave method.
Step 4
Pour the gelatin mixture into the mold.
Step 5
Pop it in the refrigerator for several hours until the gelatin is set.
Step 6
Once set, use a spatula to carefully remove the gelatin brain from the mold. If necessary, place the mold in warm water to loosen. Set up the activity with a few surgical tools and colored water, and it’s time to dissect!
Step 1
If using Gelatine brand of gelatin, pour 1 cup water into the brain mold and sprinkle one packet of gelatin on top. (a box of Gelatine comes with 4 packets and you will use them all!).
Step 2
Arrange the insects into the mold.
Step 3
Mix 3 cups water and the remaining 3 packets of Gelatine into a saucepan or microwave safe container and bring to a boil. We used the microwave method.
Step 4
Pour the gelatin mixture into the mold.
Step 5
Pop it in the refrigerator for several hours until the gelatin is set.
Step 6
Once set, use a spatula to carefully remove the gelatin brain from the mold. If necessary, place the mold in warm water to loosen. Set up the activity with a few surgical tools and colored water, and it’s time to dissect!
Frozen Oobleck Brain Alternative
This jelly sensory play isn’t the only way to explore the brain! We’ve also hidden bugs inside a frozen oobleck brain!
This activity great for learning about the states of matter and viscosity. In other words, playing with oobleck can teach kids about how solids and liquids can change states, as well as learn about the thickness of the oobleck.
Here’s how you can make this version!
Step 1
Combine 2 cups corn starch with 1 cup water.
Step 2
Add a few drops of food coloring if you’d like.
Step 3
Add creepy critters to a mold.
Step 4
Pour the oobleck mixture into the mold.
Step 5
Pop it in the freezer for an hour.
Step 6
Once frozen, set it up with a few surgical tools and it’s time to dissect!
Frozen Oobleck Brain Alternative
This jelly sensory play isn’t the only way to explore the brain! We’ve also hidden bugs inside a frozen oobleck brain!
This activity great for learning about the states of matter and viscosity. In other words, playing with oobleck can teach kids about how solids and liquids can change states, as well as learn about the thickness of the oobleck.
Here’s how you can make this version!
Step 1
Combine 2 cups corn starch with 1 cup water.
Step 2
Add a few drops of food coloring if you’d like.
Step 3
Add creepy critters to a mold.
Step 4
Pour the oobleck mixture into the mold.
Step 5
Pop it in the freezer for an hour.
Step 6
Once frozen, set it up with a few surgical tools and it’s time to dissect!
More Sensory Bases to Explore
Beyond this creepy jelly sensory play. Here are some more sensory bases to explore!
The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit
This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.
Sensory Sand
Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!
Modelling Dough
This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.
Premium Play Dough
This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!
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