Have you ever wondered if it can show both liquid and solid effects? Sounds impossible, right? Well, with easy recipes you can create an amazing substance called Oobleck that can do it! Oobleck is a “non-Newtonian liquid”, which means that when you apply pressure, it behaves like a solid, but becomes a liquid when it releases it. This is a fun and chaotic experiment that you can try at home or in the classroom. Also, just click the button below to get a free recording sheet to share this Oobleck experiment with your class. Let’s get started!
What did the Oobleck experiment teach?
The Oobleck experiment is a great example of how non-Newtonian fluids and how materials react under different stress conditions. Because Oobleck doesn’t follow the usual liquid rules, it can be fun to experience this abnormality in your class.
How to make a video
The video shows detailed step-by-step instructions visually to master the experiment.
Materials required
If you want to know how to make Oobleck, you need to first:
- 2 cups corn starch
- 1 cup of water
- Food coloring (any color you like – green is very fun!)
- A mixing bowl
- Spoon (or just your hands)
- Measuring cup
How to make Oobleck step by step:
1. Measure and pour corn starch.
First measure about 2 cups of corn starch and pour it into a mixing bowl. Corn starch is a magical ingredient that helps create Oobleck’s unique properties.
2. Prepare colored water.
Next, grab your water and add a few drops of food coloring. This step is optional, but it makes Oobleck more fun and colorful! Stir gently in the water until the serving color completely dissolves.
3. Combine corn starch and water.
Slowly pour the colored water into the cornstarch bowl. Mix with the spoon a little at a time. As you mix, you will notice that the texture begins to change. It may look a bit chunky at first, but keep stirring.
4. Take action.
Once the mixture starts to blend together, knead with your hands and mix the obleck. You will want the consistency to be just right: when pressed, solid, but when released, liquid. If it is too thick, add a little water. If it’s too runny, add more corn starch.
5. Play and explore.
Now is the fun part! Try using Oobleck for different experiments. Squeeze it, poke it, roll it into a ball or click it quickly. The more pressure you put in, the stronger it becomes. It flows like liquid when you relax your hands. Oobleck is a non-Newtonian liquid, which means it does not follow the normal rules of liquids. When pressed, the liquid is strong. Science is cool, right?
6. Clean up.
Oobleck can get very messy, so make sure you do this experiment in a place that is easy to clean. After the game, just dry the mixture and sweep it or vacuum it.
What can we learn with Oobleck?
●Speed & Pressure: What happens when you slowly move your hand through Oobleck to fast and fast movement? Try it and see how Oobleck reacts.
●Different shapes: Try rolling the Oobleck into the ball and see if you can make it bounce or keep it in shape for a few seconds.
That’s it! Now you have created your own Oobleck and learned about non-Newtonian liquid. Oobleck is an excellent way to explore solid and liquid properties in a fun and hands-on way. Plus, it’s a great excuse to be messy and creative. Remember, science is all about curiosity and experimentation, so keep exploring and having fun.
Get free Oobleck experiments to print!
If you are ready to try Oobleck experiments with your class, grab our printable worksheets to pair with your course.
