Have you ever wondered if something works like a liquid and a solid? 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 liquid.” In other words, when pressure is applied, it behaves like a solid, but when released it returns to liquid. It’s fun and tedious to try it at home or at the classroom. Plus, click the button below to grab a free recording sheet and share this Obleck 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, how the material reacts under different stress conditions. Oobleck doesn’t follow the rules of normal liquids, so it’s a lot of fun for the class to experience this anomaly.
How to create an Oobleck video
This video shows detailed step-by-step instructions in a visual way to master the experiment.
Necessary materials
If you want to know how to create Oobleck, you need it first.
2 cups of cornstarch 1 cup water hood coloring (favorite colour – green is so fun!) Mixing bowl spoon (or just your hands)
How to create oobleck step by step:
1. Measure and pour corn starch.
Start by measuring about 2 cups of cornstarch and pouring it into a mixing bowl. Cornstarch is a magical ingredient that helps you create unique properties of Oobleck.
2. Prepare colored water.
Next, grab the water and add a few drops of food coloring. This step is optional, but it makes Oobleck even more fun and colorful! Mix the water gently until the food coloring is completely dissolved.
3. Combine cornstarch and water.
Slowly pour the colored water into a bowl of cornstarch. Do this little at a time, mixing with a spoon. As you mix it, the texture will start to change. It may seem a little rough at first, but keep stirring.
4. Get practice.
Once the mixture starts to come together, knead it with your hands and mix in the oobleck. I hope that consistency is just right. Press it and there is a solid, but when it is released it is liquid. If it’s too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too overflowing, add cornstarch.
5. Play and explore.
For the fun part! Try out different experiments with Oobleck. Squeeze it and tap it immediately, either stab it, roll it into the ball. The more pressure you apply, the more firm it becomes. When you relax your hands, they flow like liquid. Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid. This means that it does not follow the normal rules of liquids. It is firm when pressed and liquid when not under stress. Science is pretty cool, isn’t it?
6. Clean up.
Oobleck can be quite messy, so do this experiment in a place that is easy to clean. Once regeneration is complete, let the mixture dry, then sweep up or vacuum.
What can you learn with Oobleck?
●Volume vs. Pressure: What happens if you move your hands slowly and slowly, and move them right away? Try it and see how Oobleck reacts.
●Various shapes: Roll the Oobleck into the ball and bounce for a few seconds or see if it can retain its shape.
that’s it! Now you’ve created your own Obleck and learned about non-Newtonian liquids. Oobleck is a great way to explore solid and liquid properties in a fun and practical way. Plus, being a little messy and creative is a great excuse. Remember that science is all about curiosity and experimentation.
Print free oobleck experiments!
If you’re ready to try out Oobleck experiments in your class, get a printable worksheet and combine the lessons.
