Looking for a hands-on activity that combines fun, learning, and just the right amount of mess? Try making oobleck! This squishy, gooey substance acts like both a liquid and a solid — and it’s a guaranteed hit with kids of all ages.
Whether you’re planning a science day at home, a sensory play session, or just looking to cure summer boredom, oobleck is a must-try. Plus, you only need 2 ingredients!
What is Oobleck?
Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid, which means it doesn’t behave like a typical liquid or solid. When you apply pressure to it, it feels solid. When you let it rest, it flows like a liquid. The name “oobleck” comes from the Dr. Seuss book Bartholomew and the Oobleck — how fun is that?
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon (optional — hands are more fun!)
- Optional: Food coloring
How to Make Oobleck
Step 1: Pour the Cornstarch
Add 1 cup of cornstarch to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add Water Slowly
Slowly pour in about 1/2 cup of water. You may need a little more or less, depending on the texture.
Step 3: Mix it Up
Stir with a spoon — or better yet, your hands! It should feel hard when you press it but ooze through your fingers when you let go.
Step 4: Add Color (Optional)
Want to make it more colorful? Add a few drops of food coloring to the water before mixing it with the cornstarch.
The Science Behind Oobleck
Oobleck is a perfect intro to physics for kids. It’s a non-Newtonian fluid, which means its viscosity changes depending on the force applied. Push it quickly — it feels solid. Let it rest — it becomes liquidy again. This is different from water or juice, which behave the same no matter how hard you press.
Oobleck Play Ideas
- Try punching it — it won’t splash!
- Let it drip slowly from your fingers like slime.
- Roll it into a ball in your hands — then let it melt!
- Put toys in it and dig them out like a treasure hunt.
Clean-Up Tips
- Don’t pour oobleck down the drain — it can clog pipes. Throw it in the trash instead.
- Wash hands and surfaces with warm water and soap.
- If it dries on surfaces, just wipe with a damp cloth — it reactivates the cornstarch and wipes off easily.
Learning Opportunities
- STEM education: Teaches kids about states of matter and fluid behavior.
- Sensory play: Great for tactile learners.
- Creative thinking: Kids will come up with endless ways to explore it!
Optional Recipe Variations
- Scented Oobleck: Add a drop of kid-safe essential oil like lavender.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Oobleck: Use tonic water under a black light!
- Glitter Oobleck: Stir in glitter for some sparkle.
Final Thoughts
Oobleck is more than just a fun mess — it’s an exciting science experiment your kids will remember! Perfect for rainy days, at-home summer camp, classroom STEM activities, or sensory bins.
Looking for more hands-on fun? Check out our Dancing Lentils Experiment or DIY Moon Sand Stress Ball Tutorial next!