STEM To-Go Activity
Create ooblek and observe the structure it takes
Materials
Corn Starch
Pipette
Colour (e.g. Paint or Food Colouring)
Mixing Bowl
Water
Spoon
Activity Instructions
1. Put most of the cornstarch in the bowl. Leave about 3 spoonfuls in the bag.
2. Add 3 spoonfuls of water to the bowl. 3. Stir the mixture. The mixture should not be too runny or dry. The Oobleck is ready when you can squeeze it in your hand and it feels like a solid and then open your hand and it flows like a liquid.
4. If too dry, slowly add small amounts using the pipette. If too wet, add small amounts of cornstarch.
(Optional) Add colour if you want to using the paint from bubble art or food colouring.
!! CAUTION !!
Do not eat oobleck!
Oobleck can grow mouldy, so it is best to dispose of it right away or put it in an airtight container in the fridge.
To dispose of oobleck, you can put it in the green bin or the regular garbage.
How to use a pipette?
How do I know when my Oobleck is done?
The Science Behind It All
What is Oobleck?
Science doesn’t have to be hard - in fact, it can be ooey, gooey and loads of fun! Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid. We are familiar with Newtonian fluids in our daily lives, which are fluids that have a constant viscosity or ability to flow at a given temperature (think water, vinegar, milk, etc.). A non-Newtonian fluid does not follow the rules! Oobleck acts like a liquid when it is poured but acts like a solid when a force is acting on it. Once you’ve made the Oobleck, pick some of it up in your hand and hold your fingers apart. It will slide right through your fingers. BUT, if you squeeze it into a ball with your hands, it will hold its shape. Oobleck isn’t the only non-Newtonian fluid out there. For instance, ketchup, toothpaste and silly putty are also Non-Newtonian fluids.
Activity Sheet
Extra Resources
