Oobleck

Oobleck

Ingredients & materials:

1 baggie

cornstarch
water
food coloring (optional, as could stain clothing and skin)

Procedure:

1.     Measure exactly ¼ cup cornstarch (white powder) using the stick to scrape off extra from the top into the bowl.  Put the cornstarch into a plastic baggie. 

 

2.    Touch the dry cornstarch powder and notice the interesting texture.

3.    Measure 1 TBSP (tablespoon) of water and put into the baggie with the cornstarch. 

4.    Mix the cornstarch and water together with your fingers really well.  If there is still dry cornstarch, add ½ tsp (teaspoon) water to the mixture.  Mix the cornstarch and water together with your fingers.  If it is still dry, you may add  another ½ tsp until the entire mixture is wet.

5.    Squeeze the mixture and notice it feels like a solid then watch it drip through your fingers like a liquid. If you slowly lower your hand into oobleck, it will sink, but it is difficult to quickly remove your hand (without taking all the oobleck and its container with you).  If you squeeze or punch the oobleck, the starch particles will not move out of the way quickly, so the oobleck will feel solid.  Oobleck can be molded in a container, but when the mold is removed, the oobleck will lose its shape. 

**DO NOT put this mixture down the sink – only in the trash can**

Clean up: Warm water will quickly get it off your hands; it will brush off of clothes when it dries, and it is easily cleaned off surfaces with a wet rag.  Important: Make sure you do not dump the goo down the drain – it can get caught in the drain trap and take the joy out of your day of science. Dump it in the trash, or even mix it into soil in the garden.

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