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Oobleck Adventure: Making Non-Newtonian Fluid

Oobleck Adventure: Making Non-Newtonian Fluid

Time needed: 15 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
Age range: 6+ years
Adult supervision: Recommended
Density Layers

What You'll Learn

Create a fascinating substance named after Dr. Seuss's story "Bartholomew and the Oobleck"! This strange material acts like a liquid when handled gently but becomes solid when force is applied. It's a perfect example of a non-Newtonian fluid - a substance that doesn't follow Newton's law of viscosity, meaning its thickness changes depending on how much force you apply to it.

Materials Needed

Materials collected: 0/6
Cornstarch (1-2 cups)
Water (1 cup)
Food coloring (optional)
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Plastic tablecloth or newspaper

Safety Notes

Wear old clothes - cornstarch can be messy
Don't dispose of oobleck down the drain - it can clog pipes
Do not eat the oobleck

Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Pour 1 cup of water into a bowl and add 5-6 drops of food coloring (optional)
2
Measure out 1½ to 2 cups of cornstarch in a large bowl
3
Slowly add the colored water to the cornstarch, mixing as you go
Start with small amounts and mix thoroughly before adding more
4
Test the consistency - it should feel solid when squeezed but flow like liquid when relaxed

Watch It In Action

Watch as we create oobleck and demonstrate its fascinating properties. Notice how it behaves differently depending on how quickly or slowly you interact with it!

The Science Behind It

Most liquids, like water, have a constant viscosity (thickness) that doesn't change when force is applied - these are called Newtonian fluids. Oobleck is different - it's a non-Newtonian fluid, meaning its viscosity changes based on how much force you apply to it.
When you apply sudden force (like punching or squeezing), the cornstarch particles jam together, making the mixture act like a solid. When left alone or handled gently, the particles can slide past each other, making it flow like a liquid.
This type of non-Newtonian fluid is called "shear thickening" – it becomes thicker (more viscous) when force is applied. Other examples include quicksand and some types of body armor made with similar materials!

Common Questions

Why won't my oobleck thicken properly?
You might have added too much water. Try adding more cornstarch gradually until you achieve the right consistency. The mixture should feel liquid when touched gently but solid when pressed firmly.
How do I dispose of oobleck?
Never pour it down the drain as it can clog pipes. Instead, throw it in the trash or let it dry out completely and then dispose of it. You can also pour it onto your garden soil where it will break down naturally.
Can I save my oobleck for later?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container. If it dries out, you can revive it by adding a small amount of water and mixing well. However, if it develops any odd smell or color, dispose of it and make a fresh batch.
Why is it called oobleck?
The name comes from Dr. Seuss's book "Bartholomew and the Oobleck," where a sticky green substance falls from the sky. Scientists adopted this fun name for the cornstarch and water mixture because of its similar properties.

Take It Further

  • Make oobleck "dance" by placing it on a speaker playing low-frequency sounds
  • Experiment with different ratios of cornstarch to water and record the results
  • Try adding glitter to make sparkly oobleck
  • Make a small ball of oobleck and quickly pass it between your hands - watch how it maintains its shape while moving but melts when you stop
  • Test how different temperatures affect the oobleck's properties

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