Oobleck is an easy-to-make material that has pleasant physical characteristics. Oobleck is an example of a different fluid from Newton's fluid. Many common liquids such as water and alcohol have a constant viscosity. But the oobleck can become liquid when gently held in the hand and can also become solid if hit hard. The name oobleck comes from a children's book by Dr. 1949's Seuss, entitled Bartholomew and Oobleck, which tells the story of a king who was so bored with the weather in his kingdom that he wanted something completely new to fall from the sky.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making Oobleck
Step 1. Put 125 grams of corn starch in a large bowl
You can knead it by hand for about a minute to get your hands comfortable with the texture. Stirring briefly with a fork can help to remove lumps so that they are easier to stir later.
Step 2. Mix 125 ml of water with cornstarch
You should always add half the water to the cornstarch, so that the ratio of 250 grams of cornstarch to every 250 ml of water is maintained. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the water and cornstarch as thoroughly as possible.
Step 3. Add 4-5 drops of food coloring to 125 ml of water if you want colored oobleck
While you don't need to use food coloring to make oobleck, many people enjoy using it to give oobleck an interesting color and it's even more fun to play with than just white putty. If you want to add food coloring for your oobleck, add a few drops and mix with the water first, before adding the cornstarch. This helps to make the color even.
Use as much food coloring as possible for lighter colors
Step 4. Test the oobleck by taking a handful and forming it into a ball
The most difficult thing at this stage is to follow the recipe exactly. Rarely can the comparison be accurate, namely two parts cornstarch, one part water. Humidity, the amount of food coloring, and the temperature of the water will cause subtle changes. The Oobleck should feel a little melted in the hand.
- If you can't form a ball (too runny), add another tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix and test again.
- If the oobleck is not as runny as a liquid when taken, the mixture is too thick. Add another tablespoon of water.
Method 2 of 2: Using Oobleck
Step 1. Play with Oobleck
At first, take them in your hands and have fun kneading them, hitting them, rolling them into small balls, letting them drip from your hands into the bowl, and shaping them into different shapes. You can also--
- Blending with other colors to create a certain pattern.
- Sift the oobleck through a sieve, strawberry basket, and so on to see how it flows differently than water.
Step 2. Experiment with oobleck
As you become more comfortable with this material, you will see what happens when you press hard on the sticky material or when you let it sit for a minute before picking it up again. Here are some experiments with oobleck to try:
- Make a ball of oobleck by rolling it quickly in the palm of your hand. Then, stop pressing the mixture and the oobleck will flow out of your hands.
- Fill the pie plate with a thick layer of oobleck and pat the surface with your open hand. You will be surprised to see that the liquid remains on the plate due to the pressure created.
- Zoom in on the experiment by putting the oobleck in a large bucket or plastic trash can and jumping around in it.
- Put the oobleck in the freezer, and give it a try. Try also with hot conditions? Is there a difference?
Step 3. Clean oobleck
You can use warm water to clean the oobleck from your hands, clothes, and even the kitchen counter. You can rinse a little from the bowl, but make sure not to waste too much in the sink.
If allowed to dry, the oobleck will turn into a powder that is easy to sweep, vacuum or wipe off
Step 4. Save oobleck
Place the oobleck in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. Take it out later and play with oobleck. If the oobleck is no longer in use, do not throw it in the sink as it can clog the drains. However, throw it in the trash.
You may need to add the oobleck with water again for a second play
Tips
- To remove the oobleck, mix it with plenty of hot water to make a very runny mixture. Pour a little down the drain while the hot water is pouring.
- It's a good idea to put the newspaper under the experimenter just in case it doesn't spill on the bench.
- Store in an airtight container. Stir occasionally.
- Making this sticky and thick material is great on rainy days and to play with the little ones. Especially when it's bath time.
- If you add food coloring: After washing your hands, you will notice a small amount of color staining your hands. Do not worry. This dye will wear off within a day or two.
- If cornstarch is not available, you can use Johnson & Johnson baby powder.
- It's fun to roll this gooey, gooey material into a ball. If you try it, the oobleck will solidify and when it stops moving, the oobleck will melt again in your hand.
- When dry, the oobleck is easy to vacuum with a vacuum cleaner.
- Oobleck is so much fun to play! Use for birthday parties. Kids will love it!
- Anything you put in this viscous, sticky material (like a little dinosaur toy) can be washed off easily with soap and water.
- If you add food coloring, the oobleck will be more messy and give an interesting result to the work you create!
- Add a drop or two of clove oil to inhibit microbial growth.
Warning
- Note that if the oobleck is left too long, it will dry out and turn back into cornstarch. Just throw it away when you're done using it.
- Don't worry too much if the oobleck gets stuck to something; Oobleck can be removed with a small amount of water.
- Oobleck is non-toxic, but it doesn't taste good. Wash hands after playing. Be sure to supervise children.
- Do not pour the oobleck into the water line as it can become clogged.
- Wear old clothes, as ooblecks tend to get messy.
- Spread a few sheets of newspaper on the floor so that the oobleck doesn't splatter on the floor or table.
- Do not drop it on the sofa, wooden floor, or pavement. Oobleck is difficult to remove from certain surfaces.
