The Oobleck Experiment

As a finale to our science unit on Matter, Mrs. Lott and I thought we could have a little fun with The Oobleck Experiment.

Oobleck in a non-newtonian fluid. That is, it acts like a liquid when being poured, but like a solid when a force is acting on it. You can grab it and then it will ooze out of your hands. This concept forced students to think long and hard before classifying it as a liquid, solid, or both! After experimenting with Oobleck, the students were then encouraged to use their creativity to create their own "strange matter".

Oobleck gets its name from the Dr. Seuss book Bartholomew and the Oobleck, where a gooey green substance, Oobleck, fell from the sky and wreaked havoc in the kingdom.

 Mrs. Lott read Bartholomew and the Oobleck, by Dr. Seuss - Copyright 1943!!

Mixing Our "Mystery" Substance with Water
We didn't tell the students it was cornstarch until AFTER the experiment :) 

Manipulating the Oobleck
We opted for the 'cleaner' version by doing it in Ziplock Bags! 

Thinking long and hard...solid? liquid? both? 

Creating Their Own Mystery Matter

Ta Da!! 

Want to make Oobleck at home? It's EASY! 

1 1/2 Cups of cornstarch + 1 Cup Water + a few drops of food coloring (*Any color) = OOBLECK!