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13 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP KIDS BABY Doityourself Forababy,nearlyeveryexperienceisnew,andtheworldisfullofaweandwonder.Sensationsthatwemaytakeforgranted as adults are fresh and exciting. What better way to help your little one explore this new place than by whipping up some Cloud Dough or Moon Sand? After all, stimulation and tactile play are important for babies and can help set the stage for the way they interact with the world around them. These recipes come from the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose — it's the purple building downtown (you can't miss it) — which has been a destination for learning for kids and families since 1990. Cloud Dough and Moon Sand PROJECT COURTESY OF CHILDREN'S DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF SAN JOSE CLOUD DOUGH Add½cupofoilto4cupsofflour,andmixwell.Forsome variety, substitute vegetable oil with scented oils such as baby oil or lavender baby oil. For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with rice flour. You and your child can investigate the similarities and differences between the textures of Cloud Dough and Moon Sand. MOON SAND Homemade Moon Sand, pictured above, is another medium that is so yet moldable and great for young kids. Mix 6 cups of play sand with 3 cups of cornstarch. Slowly add 1 cup of water, and mix well. If sand becomes too dry, use a spray bottle to add a little bit of water to revive it. Be careful not to add too much water or the material will become runny. DOUG DURAN