Showing kids how to turn dry dirt into sticky, grimy mud is a very easy project that can engage them for an entire afternoon. Simply give them buckets or bowls, spoons or trowels and dirt. Then have the kids add various amounts of water to their containers to make thick or watery mud. Have them cake together patties or "mud pies" and allow them to dry in the sun for a few days. This will show kids how mud reverts back into dirt.
This mud project is best suited for older kids. After mixing one part subsoil mud, three parts sand, blended newspaper that is smooth and paste-like and a small amount of wallpaper paste, kids can shape the mixture to create their own clay tiles. While they do not have to be as large as the tiles found in galleries, kids can create a simple image, such as a heart or smiley face, in their tile using a stick. Once it dries, they can then hang it up at home.
Mud exploration can happen in several ways. Depending on if you are in a school, at home or babysitting, you may have different restrictions regarding outdoor exploration. However, whether you gather mud and take it indoors or go outside during or shortly after rain, have the children explore the mud to see what it is made of and what gets lost in it. For example, they may notice that the mud contains tiny rocks or pebbles and they might even find something they were not expecting, such as a toy.
Mud art is another project you can do with kids using only a few supplies. All you need is some mud, some construction paper and a sponge, if desired. Have kids dip their fingers in the mud and then finger paint using it. If you decide to incorporate a sponge, soak it with mud and have the students press their hands or feet on the sponge. Afterwards, have them put their prints on the paper.