Have you ever wondered if something could act like both a liquid and a solid at the same time? Sounds impossible, right? Well, with a simple recipe, you can create an amazing substance called Oobleck that does just that! Oobleck is a “non-Newtonian fluid,” meaning it behaves like a solid when you apply pressure but turns back into a liquid when you release it. It’s a fun and messy experiment that you can try at home or in the classroom. Plus, just click the button below to grab your free recording sheet to share this Oobleck experiment with your class. Let’s get started!
What does the Oobleck experiment teach?
The Oobleck experiment is a great example of non-Newtonian fluids and how materials can react under different stress conditions. Because Oobleck doesn’t follow the usual rules of liquids, it can be a lot of fun for your class to experience this anomaly.
How To Make Oobleck Video
This video shows detailed step-by-step instructions in a visual way to master the experiment.
Materials Needed
If you want to know how to make Oobleck, first you need:
- 2 cups cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- Food coloring (any color you like—green is super fun!)
- A mixing bowl
- A spoon (or just your hands)
- A measuring cup
How to make Oobleck step-by-step:
1. Measure and pour the cornstarch.
Start by measuring out about 2 cups of cornstarch and pouring it into your mixing bowl. Cornstarch is the magic ingredient that helps create the unique properties of Oobleck.
2. Prepare the colored water.
Next, grab your water and add a few drops of food coloring. This step is optional, but it makes the Oobleck extra fun and colorful! Stir the water gently until the food coloring is fully dissolved.
3. Combine the cornstarch and water.
Slowly pour the colored water into the bowl of cornstarch. Do this a little at a time while mixing with a spoon. As you mix, you’ll notice the texture start to change. It might look a little lumpy at first, but keep stirring.
4. Get hands-on.
Once the mixture starts to come together, use your hands to knead and mix the Oobleck. You’ll want the consistency to be just right: solid when you press it but liquid when you release it. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more water. If it’s too runny, add more cornstarch.
5. Play and explore.
Now for the fun part! Try different experiments with your Oobleck. Squeeze it, poke it, roll it into a ball, or tap it quickly. The more pressure you apply, the more solid it becomes. When you relax your hands, it flows like a liquid. Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid, which means it doesn’t follow the normal rules of liquids. It’s solid when pressed and liquid when unstressed. Science is pretty cool, right?
6. Clean up.
Oobleck can get pretty messy, so make sure you do this experiment in a place that’s easy to clean up. Once you’re done playing, just let the mixture dry out, then sweep it up or vacuum it.
What can we learn with Oobleck?
● Speed vs. pressure: What happens when you move your hands through the Oobleck slowly versus quickly? Try it out and see how the Oobleck reacts.
● Different shapes: Try rolling the Oobleck into a ball and see if you can make it bounce or stay in shape for a few seconds.
That’s it! Now you’ve created your very own Oobleck and learned about non-Newtonian fluids. Oobleck is an awesome way to explore the properties of solids and liquids in a fun, hands-on way. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get a little messy and creative. Remember, science is all about curiosity and experimentation, so keep exploring and have fun.
Get your free Oobleck experiment printable!
If you are ready to try the Oobleck experiment with your class, grab our printable worksheet to pair with your lesson.
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