Hey there! I’m excited you’re here because today we’re going to do a super fun experiment. We’re going to make something sticky, gooey, and a little bit weird called Oobleck!
Oobleck is a special kind of goo that’s really fun to make and play with. It’s inspired by a story from Dr. Seuss called “Bartholomew and the Oobleck.” In the story, a king gets bored with normal weather and makes sticky stuff fall from the sky. The cool thing about Oobleck is that it can act like both a solid and a liquid without changing temperature, which is pretty unusual!
Before we make Oobleck, let’s talk about solids and liquids. Solids have a definite size and shape. If you move them or put them in a different container, they stay the same shape. For example, a toy is a solid. Whether it’s standing up or lying down, it keeps its shape.
Liquids, like water, don’t have a definite shape. If you touch them, they move. If you pour them into a different container, they change shape to fit the new container. So, water is a liquid because it spills and changes shape easily.
Now, let’s make Oobleck! You’ll need a big bowl, a measuring cup, a spoon, some cornstarch, and a grown-up to help you. Here’s what to do:
And there you have it! Your Oobleck is ready to play with.
Now for the fun part—playing! Swish it around a bit. It moves like water. If you pour it into a glass, it changes shape to fit the glass.
Grab some Oobleck in your hand and squeeze it hard. It should feel like a solid, like a little squishy ball. But when you open your hand, it oozes out like a liquid again. Oobleck is special because it can be both a solid and a liquid at room temperature, making it super fun to play with!
When you’re done playing, don’t throw Oobleck in the sink—it might clog the drain. Instead, toss it in the trash or store it in a sealed bag or container to play with later.
Thanks for making Oobleck with us! If you have any questions or want to learn more, ask a grown-up to help you leave a comment or email us at [email protected]. See you next time!
Oobleck Observation Journal: Create an Oobleck observation journal. Each day, play with your Oobleck and write or draw what you notice. Does it behave more like a solid or a liquid today? How does it feel when you squeeze it or let it drip through your fingers? Share your observations with a friend or family member.
Solid or Liquid Hunt: Go on a hunt around your house or classroom to find items that are solids and liquids. Make a list or draw pictures of what you find. Can you find something that acts like both a solid and a liquid, just like Oobleck? Discuss with your friends or teacher why you think each item is a solid or a liquid.
Oobleck Dance Party: Put on some music and have an Oobleck dance party! Place a small speaker inside a plastic bag and put it in a shallow dish of Oobleck. Watch how the Oobleck moves and dances to the music. Can you describe what you see? Try different types of music and see if the Oobleck moves differently.
