20 Aug Try at Home: DIY Oobleck
What is oobleck? Is it a liquid or a solid? It’s neither! Oobleck is a non newtonian fluid, which means that it changes viscosity, or how it flows, depending on stress. When pressure is applied to oobleck it acts as a solid, but if less pressure is applied it becomes a liquid. Oobleck was named after the Dr. Seuss book Bartholomew and the Oobleck.
To make oobleck, only two ingredients are needed.
- Cornflour or cornstarch
- water
Making oobleck is not exact measurements. You may need to add more water or cornstarch if your mix becomes too watery. Start out with 1 cup of cornstarch and ½ cup of water. Mix in a container to play in or mix in a ziplock baggie to avoid getting too messy! When you squeeze the mixture, whether in a baggie or your hand, the mix will become solid, but when you release the pressure it will once again become liquid! Add a few drops of food coloring to change the color of your oobleck.
Sources
Hoover, T. (2018). Oobleck: Is it a solid or liquid? Science Scope, 41(9), 14–16. https://doi.org/10.2505/4/ss18_041_09_14
kidsactivityzone.com/how-to-make-oobleck/
childhoodmagic.com/how-to-make-oobleck-goop/
Written by Mercedes M., Youth Services Librarian
