How to make Oobleck

Posted by Lorelei

Ooblech is Made with Cornstarch and Water. Coloring is Optional.	What is Oobleck? Oobleck, glump, goo. This interesting muck is called by many names. It is cheap and easy to make, and kids of all ages will enjoy playing in it. Your preschooler can learn: Oobleck is a solid when you hit it It is a liquid when you touch it softly It won’t hold it’s shape when you roll it It loses it’s color when left out in the sun
For your information: Oobleck is a non-Newtonian Fluid Newtonian liquids are harder to pour when they are chilled (like molasses, or vegetable oil) Non-Newtonian fluids are harder to pour when you exert pressure (like oobleck or quicksand) The word “oobleck” was coined by Dr. Seuss, in his book “Bartholomew and the Oobleck”	Place Cornstarch in a Bowl. Add Food Coloring and Water.
Stir Until All the Cornstarch is Moistened	To Make Oobleck: pour 2 cups cornstarch into a bowl add 1 cup water optional – add a few drops of food coloring mix – with a spoon or your hand if too dry, add a small amount of water if too sticky, add small amount of cornstarch store uncovered – or it will mildew. Add more water as necessary.
Do this activity with your preschooler. Ask him to slap it. What happens? Have him slowly put his hand on it? What happens then? Can he roll it into a ball? Roll it real well! Now, can he toss it and catch it? What happens to the ball if he just holds it? Can he stir it? Try stirring the oobleck very hard. Now try stirring it gently. Is it hard, or is it soft? Is it a liquid? Is it a solid? How does it feel?	Playing with Oobleck Can Be Addicting
Your Oobleck Should Be Very Stiff	Oobleck Won't Hold Its Shape
Read Dr. Seuss’s “Bartholomew and the Oobleck” to introduce this activity. Let any spills dry. The water evaporates, and dry cornstarch remains. You can vacuum it up. You can dump the old oobleck in the trash, or let it air-dry until all the moisture is gone. Then save the cornstarch for a rainy day activity.	Oobleck Drips Between Your Fingers When You Stop Rolling It
For Further Reading: Non-Newtonian Fluid How to Make Play Dough How to Color Rice	Pound Oobleck, and It Feels Solid