science experiment oobleck

May 2, 2011

It's a Solid... It's a Liquid... It's Oobleck!

Bring Science Home: Activity 1

By Katherine Harmon

Getty Images

Key concepts Liquids and solids Viscosity Pressure From National Science Education Standards : Properties of objects and materials

Introduction Why is it so hard to get out of quicksand? Is it a solid? Is it a liquid? Can it be both? In this activity, you will make a substance that is similar to quicksand—but much more fun. Play around with it and find out how it acts differently from a normal liquid and a normal solid. Other, more familiar substances change states (from solids to liquids to gases) when we change the temperature, such as freezing water into ice or boiling it away into steam. But this simple mixture shows how changes in pressure, instead of temperature, can change the properties of some materials. Background Applying pressure to the mixture increases its viscosity (thickness). A quick tap on the surface of Oobleck will make it feel hard, because it forces the cornstarch particles together. But dip your hand slowly into the mix, and see what happens—your fingers slide in as easily as through water. Moving slowly gives the cornstarch particles time to move out of the way. Oobleck and other pressure-dependent substances (such as Silly Putty and quicksand) are not liquids such as water or oil. They are known as non-Newtonian fluids. This substance's funny name comes from a Dr. Seuss book called Bartholomew and the Oobleck .

Oobleck: the Dr. Seuss Science Experiment

Introduction: Oobleck: the Dr. Seuss Science Experiment

Step 1: Materials

Step 2: Mix It Up!

Step 3: Add Food Coloring

Step 4: Play With It!

Step 5: Oobleck Videos

Still not convinced you want to make it? Play this video to see it in action.

Oozing oobleck

Most substances behave in unsurprising ways that depend on whether they are solids, liquids or gases. This activity shows how to create a substance called oobleck, which can behave like both a solid and a liquid, depending on how hard you hit it.

Printable downloads

 follow these steps….

Oobleck can make a great deal of mess, although once it has dried it can easily be swept or vacuumed up. You may want to wear an apron. If cornflour does get onto your clothes, it will wash out with no problems.

Think and talk about…

• What do you think is happening?
• Does oobleck behave like a solid, liquid or both?
• Why do you think oobleck acts like this?
• Can you think of anything else that behaves like oobleck?
• If you had a pool full of oobleck, do you think you could run across it?

Investigate…

• What happens if you let your fingers gently run through the oobleck?
• Apply a force to the oobleck, such as tapping or slapping it. What effect does it have?
• If you let your hand sink into the oobleck, can you pull it out quickly?
• How hard is it to remove objects from the bottom of the bowl?

Did you know?

The name ‘oobleck’ comes from a Dr Seuss book called Bartholomew and the Oobleck .

What’s the science?

Cornflour consists of billions of tiny irregularly shaped particles of starch. When water is added, the liquid flows around each starch grain and acts like a lubricant, making the mixture runny as the particles slip over each other. When a sudden large force is applied, the starch particles tangle, and the mixture hardens. However, these effects are only temporary. As soon as the force is removed, the water surrounds each of the particles again and the mixture becomes runny once more.

Science in your world

Related resources

Tablecloth trick

Can you pull out a tablecloth without sending cups and saucers flying?

Can you make milk move without touching it?

Kitchen science

Step-by-step instructions for science activities and experiments to do in the classroom or at home.

Instant Ice Cream

Explore states of matter in the tastiest way – by turning milk into ice cream instantly!

Science Bob

• Experiments
• Science Fair Ideas
• Science Q&A
• Research Help
• Experiment Blog

more in Experiment Blog

Oobleck – the cornstarch and water experiment.

This may just be the easiest, messiest, and most fun science activity I know. It is a classic, and I have gotten several requests recently to post directions. You should know that if you try this activity and  you are not smiling and messy with corn starch goo at the end, then you are definitely doing something wrong. Also keep in mind that this is not just about fun, there is some pretty amazing science going on here.

You will need:

• Cornstarch (a 16 oz. box is good for every 2-3 participants – but more is always better)
• Food coloring (we always say it’s optional, but it does make it more fun – don’t use too much or you could end up with colored hands…and clothes…and curtains)
• A large bowl
• A camera – you’re probably going to want to take pictures.

Everyone should roll up their sleeves and prepare for some gooey fun.

• This is easy. Pour the cornstarch into the bowl. Don’t rush to add water – take time to feel the cornstarch. Cornstarch does not feel like any other powder. It has a texture that can be compared to that of whipped cream. The grains of cornstarch are so small that they will fill into grooves of your fingerprints and make the prints stand out.
• After you’ve taken-in the feel of the powder, it is time to add water. (You should add the food coloring to your water before adding it to the powder.) There are no exact formulas regarding how much water to add, but it will end up being about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water per cup (235 ml) of cornstarch. The secret is to add the water slowly and mix as you add it. Don’t be shy here – dig in with your hands and really mix it up. This is usually when you notice that this is not your average liquid. Add enough water so that the mixture slowly flows on its own when mixed. The best test is to reach in and grab a handful of the mixture and see if you can roll it into a ball between your hands – if you stop rolling it and it “melts” between your fingers – success!

We’ll get the the science soon, for now just dig in and explore. Notice that the goo does not splash (or even move) if you hit it quickly. Squeeze it hard and see what happens. How long can you get the strands of goo to drip? What happens if you let the goo sit on the table for a minute and then try to pick it up? How does it feel? Hows does it move? Try bouncing a ball on the surface of the cornstarch. You get the idea – explore!

30 minutes later…

So now goo is everywhere and you’re thinking you should probably start cleaning. Actual clean up of the goo is a snap. A bucket of 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.

Now for the science… Our cornstarch goo (sometimes referred to as “oobleck” from the Dr. Suess book) is what scientists call a “Non-Newtonian” liquid. Basically, Sir Issac Newton stated individual liquids flow at consistent, predictable rates. As you likely discovered, cornstarch goo does NOT follow those rules – it can act almost like a solid, and them flow like a liquid. Technically speaking, the goo is a SUSPENSION, meaning that the grains of starch are not dissolved, they are just suspended and spread out in the water. If you let the goo sit for an while, the cornstarch would settle to the bottom of the bowl.

So why does this concoction act the way it does? Most of it has to do with pressure. The size, shape, and makeup of the cornstarch grains causes the cornstarch to “lock-up” and hold its shape when pressure is applied to it. People have filled small pools with oobleck and they are able to walk across the surface of it (as long as they move quickly.) As soon as they stop walking, they begin to sink.

I hope you get to try this out. Let us know how your day with non-newtonian liquids went.  Have fun exploring!

Science Experiments, Experiment Videos, and Science Fair Ideas from Science Bob

Ads (these ads support our free website), share this page.

How to Make Oobleck: Science with Dr. Seuss!

This post may contain affiliate links.

Have you ever heard of Oobleck? It is a must try classic science experiment. The Dr. Seuss book Bartholomew and the Oobleck gave us the name to this fun science experiment. It’s a silly one that inspired the name of the cornstarch and water slime that everyone loves to make.

It is a perfect and simple sensory play activity for young children, but it is also a great lesson in science. If you want to know how to make Oobleck you have come to the right place! Read on to get the oobleck recipe you have been looking for. Plus I have a Printable Oobleck Recipe for you to download at the bottom of this post.

What is Oobleck?

Not only is oobleck fun to play with, it is also a simple science experiment. Your kids will love it if you add this oobleck experiment to their science lessons.

Oobleck is a is a non-newtonian fluid made with a mixture of cornstarch and water. A non-Newtonian fluid is one that doesn’t follow Newton’s law of viscosity. Oobleck is not really a solid or a liquid.  Fluids have a property called viscosity that explains how it flows.  Syrup is more viscous than juice for instance. The viscosity of oobleck is not constant. It changes depending on the amount of pressure applied to it.  When you apply pressure to oobleck  it will stop moving, get firm and behave like a solid, but when you release the pressure it is gooey and behaves like a liquid.

What happens is the larger solid cornstarch particles or molecules form long chains. The smaller water molecules flow between the cornstarch molecules causing the chains to slide and flow around each other. This is why oobleck is in a liquid state when it is not under pressure.

It is a liquid and a solid at once and it is seriously a ton of fun to play with! If you just let your hands sit in the mixture, they will sink in like quicksand. And just like quicksand, the more you move, the harder the mixture gets making you even more stuck!

This stuff is perfect for when you are teaching about different states of matter or properties of matter (solids, liquids and gasses). It is a really fun sensory activity for kids of all ages, too!

Oobleck has a few different names~ goop, oobleck slime or cornstarch slime.  The texture of oobleck is hard to fully describe. You just need to experience it for yourself!

Watch How We Played with Oobleck:

This video will show some of the fun ways we played with our Oobleck mixture! You will see how much fun it really is! Children of all ages enjoy playing with this stuff.

Easy Oobleck Recipe

Have you ever wondered how to make homemade Oobleck?  I have a simple oobleck recipe for you. This is so much easier to make than traditional slime! The recipe is super simple to make. You need just two ingredients: Corn starch and Water.

Download the Printable Oobleck Recipe now!

Note: If you do not have cornstarch, you can try making oobleck with another starchy flour- potato starch supposedly works well, arrowroot flour or corn flour.

The ratio to get oobleck to the right consistency is two parts cornstarch (also called corn flour) to 1 part water. We made ours with 9 cups of cornstarch and 4 1/2 cups of water. You can also add food coloring if you want, but this is totally optional. With all of the cornstarch, it doesn’t tend to get very bright unless you add many many drops of food coloring!

Mix it in a large bowl or plastic bin, or other plastic container.  Use a big a spoon and find a place where messy play is OK. Let the kids have a turn to stir, too. We took ours outside so the kids could get as messy as they wanted and clean up would be easier. (They could be hosed down after!)

After a bunch of play, we divided it out into 4 different bowls and mixed in some coloring. I used liquid watercolors for ours, but food coloring would work just as well! Try swirling colors to make rainbow oobleck! What different ways can you think to experiment with it?  Maybe you could see what happens when you freeze it!

I have done this a lot of times with my kids, but it always seems to amaze and excite them. It never gets old. It;’s a fun way to entertain kids on a Summer day!  The bigger kids remember it well, but my younger kids needed a chance to dig in and get messy. Its always fun to re-make an old classic & great science experiment.

If you make a big enough batch of it, you can even walk on it!! Your little scientists will love this!  (Full disclosure, that plastic bowl broke during this adventure!)

Just a heads up : you do not want to pour this down the drain. It will clog it up. You can also save it for a few days in an airtight container.

Subscribe now to download the printable recipe!

Bartholomew and the Oobleck

If you have never read the Dr. Seuss book Bartholomew and the Oobleck , it is worth the read. We always love a good, silly Dr. Seuss book. This one is a Caldecott award winner, so you know it is good!

It is about a king who is bored with regular weather and asks his magicians to make something new. Instead of regular rain, oobleck falls from the sky. It rains sticky, gooey oobleck and it makes a huge mess! Bartholomew, a wise page boy, helps solve the problem with just a few simple words.

Want even more Hands-on Learning and Messy Play ideas for Kids?

Check out some of these ideas:

See More Sensory Play Materials and Ideas

See More Book Activities for Kids

See More STEM Projects for Kids

Try some more messy play with our Floam Recipe or our Favorite Slime Recipe !

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

Similar Posts

Online homeschool classes with bridgeway academy.

Christmas Color By Number Worksheets

Front and Back Dinosaur Flip Book

Thanksgiving Math: Counting Turkey Feathers

Coconut-Lemon Bath Bombs

Purposeful toddler play, one comment.

Thanks for this fun project

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• For Teachers

• Everyday Activities
• Experiments

Can something be both a solid and a liquid?

When is a liquid not always a liquid and a solid not always a solid?

When it’s "Oobleck"! Explore Non-Newtonian fluids - solutions that change their state of matter under pressure! It’s easy to make and super fun to play with. Try it!

Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3TNBncRwgog

You Will Need

1 cup of water

1 to 2 cups of cornstarch

Mixing bowl

Food coloring (optional)

Materials & Directions PDF

• Ask student to create a testable question (a hypothesis). Example: Will objects sink or float in the oobleck?
• Put 1 cup of water in a bowl and gradually add the cornstarch to it.
• Mix and blend very well. If it is too liquidy, add more corn starch by spoonfuls. (The consistency should be somewhere between a liquid and a solid--you should be able to grab a clump using pressure to keep it “solid”, but when you open your hand it should “melt” back out like a liquid.)
• If desired, mix in a few of drops of food coloring.
• Play! Experiment to see when it feels most solid (hint: try punching or pounding it) and when it feels most liquid (hint: try slowly sinking an open hand into it).
• Bonus: Use a large plastic bin or tub to make a big batch of Oobleck. Multiply the quantity of each ingredient by 10 or more and mix it up.
• Important Cleanup Information: Pour the oobleck into a zip-top storage bag and throw it away in the garbage. Pouring it down the drain, even with lots of extra water, can clog pipes.

**Note: Oobleck is non-toxic, but use caution when doing any science activity. Be careful not to get it in your eyes, and wash your hands after handling the Oobleck.

Discovery Questions

Beginning the experiment, during the experiment, after the experiment, how it works.

It’s all about viscosity, or the liquid’s resistance to flow (internal friction), or its thickness. Most fluids are Newtonian (named after Isaac Newton), and will remain at the same viscosity (or rate of flow, or thickness). For example, water has the same resistance/viscosity when standing in a pool as when swimming. It won’t change its internal friction or become thicker when you try to move through it.

Science rocks! Share with your friends!

• Science Notes Posts
• Contact Science Notes
• Todd Helmenstine Biography
• Anne Helmenstine Biography
• Free Printable Periodic Tables (PDF and PNG)
• Periodic Table Wallpapers
• Interactive Periodic Table
• Periodic Table Posters
• Science Experiments for Kids
• How to Grow Crystals
• Chemistry Projects
• Fire and Flames Projects
• Holiday Science
• Chemistry Problems With Answers
• Physics Problems
• Unit Conversion Example Problems
• Chemistry Worksheets
• Biology Worksheets
• Periodic Table Worksheets
• Physical Science Worksheets
• Science Lab Worksheets
• My Amazon Books

How to Make Oobleck

Do you know how to make oobleck or even what, exactly, it is? Oobleck is the name of a non-Newtonian fluid made by mixing corn starch and water. It has the name “oobleck” because it resembles the green stuff called oobleck in the Dr. Seuss book, “Bartholomew and the Oobleck.”

In the story, the King wants a replacement for rain and snow. The Royal Magicians produce oobleck, a green gelatinous substance that entraps objects and people. Bartholomew saves the day by getting the King to take back his wish, returning the weather to normal.

The oobleck you make is not exactly magical, but it does display interesting properties. Here is how to make it and a look at how it works.

Non-Newtonian Fluids

A non-Newtonian fluid is one that experiences viscosity changes, depending on mechanical conditions. In other words, sometimes it flows like a liquid and other times it does not flow, like a solid . In contrast, a Newtonian fluid maintains pretty much the same viscosity, no matter what you do to it.

There are different types of non-Newtonian fluids. For example, slime is a non-Newtonian fluid that flows under low stress, but breaks under pressure. Ketchup is a non-Newtonian fluid that is a shear-thinning fluid. It does not easily flow, but if you tap or shake a ketchup bottle, its contents suddenly change to a lower viscosity and pour out.

Oobleck is a type of non-Newtonian fluid called a dilatant. A dilatant is a shear-thickening fluid (the opposite of ketchup). Applying shear stress by punching or squeezing instantly thickens oobleck, so it acts like a solid. Releasing stress lets oobleck flow, like a liquid. For example, oobleck supports your weight if you run across a layer of it. But, you sink into it if you walk slowly.

Oobleck is simple to make, inexpensive, non-toxic, and uses familiar ingredients:

• 1 ½ -2 cups corn starch
• 1 cup water
• food coloring (optional)
• Make any amount of oobleck using 1.5 to 2 parts corn starch to 1 part water. For example, mix together 2 cups of corn starch and 1 cup of water.
• Add food coloring, if desired. The color of oobleck in the Dr. Seuss story is green.

Unlike slime, oobleck is not sticky. All you need for clean-up is water, unless you use food coloring. Re-use the oobleck as much as you like. When it dries out, just add a bit more water. If it’s too wet, add more corn starch.

Fun Oobleck Activities

Explore the interesting properties of oobleck:

• Play with a bowl of oobleck. Watch it ooze through your fingers. Squeeze it and feel how it changes consistency.
• Draw shapes in the oobleck. How long do they last? Does it matter how quickly you draw?
• Pour a large batch in a metal or plastic bin. Walk through it. See how long it holds you up if you stomp on it.
• Seal oobleck in a zip-top plastic bag. Compare what happens when you slowly squeeze it to its behavior when you shake it or drop it.
• Place a dish of oobleck on top of a subwoofer. Play low frequency sounds at high volume and see the forms the oobleck takes.

How Oobleck Works

Oobleck acts the way it does because of the way corn starch and water mix together. They form a colloidal mixture , with large starch grains surrounded by water. At rest, the high surface tension of water forms lubricating droplets around the granules of corn starch. The cushion of water permits flow. Compressing the mixture forces the starch together and locks them in position. So, under shear stress, oobleck behaves more like a crystal.

• Chhabra, R.P. (2006). Bubbles, Drops, and Particles in Non-Newtonian Fluids (2nd ed.). Hoboken: Taylor & Francis Ltd. ISBN 978-1420015386.
• Dr. Seuss (1949). Bartholomew and the Oobleck . Random House Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-0394900759.
• Rupp, Rebecca (1998). “Magic Mud and Other Great Experiments”. The Complete Home Learning Source Book . ISBN 9780609801093.
• Tropea, Cameron; Yarin, Alexander L.; Foss, John F. (2007). Springer Handbook of Experimental Fluid Mechanics . Springer. ISBN 978-3-540-25141-5.

Related Posts

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

• FREE Experiments
• Kitchen Science
• Climate Change
• Egg Experiments
• Fairy Tale Science
• Edible Science
• Human Health
• Inspirational Women
• Forces and Motion
• Science Fair Projects
• STEM Challenges
• Science Sparks Books
• Contact Science Sparks
• Science Resources for Home and School

How to make oobleck

May 4, 2018 By Emma Vanstone 18 Comments

Making oobleck , also known as cornflour gloop or slime, was one of the first science activities I wrote about on Science Sparks. It’s a brilliant indoor or outdoor science activity that only needs two ingredients, so it is super easy as well! I’ve given this very old post about how to make oobleck a bit of an update and refresh, so I hope you like it!

What is oobleck?

Gloop or oobleck is just cornflour and water. It’s very easy to make and creates a lovely gooey slime that feels solid when you scrunch it up and liquid if you let it flow through your fingers.

Oobleck Recipe

• Food colouring – optional
• Ice cube trays – optional
• Mixing bowl
• Colander, funnel and beakers – optional, but great for messy fun!

Instructions for making cornflour gloop

• Fill a cup with cornflour and pour it into a bowl
• Add water slowly, mixing with your hands, until you get a sticky, slimy gloop.
• If you want to make it coloured, add some food colouring ( be careful this can stain skin and clothes).
• Play with the slime and see how it behaves. Can you make it into a ball? What happens if you throw it onto the floor?

The Science of Oobleck

Did you notice that if you make a ball with oobleck or gloop, it feels solid, but if you drop the oobleck on the floor, it turns liquid again? The cornflour and water mixture is a Non-Newtonian fluid as it doesn’t flow like liquids normally do.

Cornflour gloop ( oobleck )  is made up of molecules arranged in long chains. When the chains are stretched, the liquid will flow, but when you force them together, they stick together to form a solid.

Cornflour Slime Play Ideas

Try squeezing the cornflour gloop into a ball. It should feel solid. Open your hand and watch as the cornflour slime runs through your fingers.

Can you freeze the gloop? Our  frozen Kool Aid oobleck  smelled wonderful.

Try pouring the slime through a colander. What happens? Can you use the slime to trap a small figure or pretend spider?

The always amazing Babble Dabble Do has even more fun activity ideas for you, so don’t forget to check out her blog.

Housing a Forest makes  oobleck dance !

Try adding more and less water to find out if it changes how the oobleck flows.

Oobleck Challenge

Fill a tray of oobleck and try to walk on it!

I also have a printable instruction sheet available for this. Go to the experiment instructions page to find it.

If you liked this activity, you might like our other messy play ideas , too!

Once you’re finished with the oobleck, leave it somewhere warm to dry out. Then, you can either save it to use again or throw it away.

This activity is also part of my playful science series , which is full of play-based science activities for kids.

Last Updated on May 13, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

August 15, 2011 at 7:15 am

I always loved this activity. A favourite was rolling a ball in the hands then handing it to a child and watching it collapse. I would then ask what they thought had happened. Their responses could be very creative.

August 15, 2011 at 9:11 am

Ooo, going to have a go at this one !

August 21, 2011 at 4:31 pm

Yup I think it is The Sunday Showcase you are looking for! http://www.classifiedmom.com/2011/08/link-up-you-child-centered-activities.html Link up 😉

August 21, 2011 at 8:50 pm

you learn something every day – something to pay around with when mu daughter is older. Please keep your blog going so I can refer back to it.

August 21, 2011 at 8:51 pm

you learn something every day – something to pay around with when my daughter is older. Please keep your blog going so I can refer back to it.

August 22, 2011 at 12:00 am

great for a homeschool science activity – please follow back at http://biguniversesmallworld.blogspot.com

August 25, 2011 at 7:24 pm

This is a big hit with my two girls (Emily 4 & Phoebe 2) and features in our Little Explorer classes for toddlers/preschoolers too and it is an activity that is always approached with curiosity, awe and amazement! Loving the picture too, this is a good activity around Halloween time especially if using green colouring. To avoid staining, particularly for younger children, we use waterbased paint to colour the ‘goo’. Thanks Lisa

August 25, 2011 at 8:50 pm

Water based paints are a brilliant idea. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. x

August 26, 2011 at 4:28 am

My kids love to make this stuff! Great post- Thank you for linking up to The Sunday Showcase. Glad you could make it.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe now

Age of your children: Pregnant Age under 2 Age 2–5 Age 5–12 Teenagers

Receive personalised articles from experts and wellness inspiration weekly!

Recent posts

11 minecraft cakes that kids will love , things to do in the holidays this spring 2024 , the best age for baby swimming lessons , what should you feed your child , 14 saving tips to help fill your kids’ piggy bank , the ultimate apple crumble recipe .

Oobleck recipe: The Dr Seuss science experiment 

With its gooey texture and unpredictable behaviour, oobleck has transcended the pages of fiction to become a beloved sensory play material and a fascinating subject for scientific exploration.

In some ways this oobleck recipe is much better than slime as it requires far less ingredients, is very cheap to make and unlike slime, the oobleck mixture can last for weeks.

What is oobleck, anyway?

In the captivating world of children’s literature, Dr Seuss introduced us to whimsical characters, fantastical landscapes and of course, the mysterious substance known as the oobleck. The Dr Seuss book Bartholomew and the Oobleck is where we get the word oobleck from and the reason we get to make this fun activity.

Oobleck is not your typical liquid. It’s what scientists call a non-Newtonian fluid . Unlike water or oil, which flow smoothly regardless of the force applied to them, oobleck behaves in a rather peculiar manner.

When handled gently, oobleck flows like a liquid, allowing fingers to glide through its silky texture. But apply sudden force, such as squeezing or punching it, and oobleck transforms into a solid-like substance, resisting the impact and even bouncing back like a rubber ball. Once you start playing with it, you won’t want to stop.

The simplest oobleck recipe for great oobleck fun

Creating your own batch of oobleck is a breeze. This oobleck recipe requires just two ingredients: corn starch and water. If you want to have some colourful fun, add in some food colouring.

Ingredients:

• 1:1 ratio of corn starch and water (for example, 1 cup corn starch to 1 cup water)
• Food colouring (optional)
• In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of corn starch with approximately 1 cup of water.
• Stir the mixture until you achieve the right consistency: thick and gooey, yet still fluid enough to pour.
• For an extra touch of excitement, add a few drops of food colouring to create oobleck in vibrant hues.

• If the mixture is too runny, add  ¼–½ cup of corn starch slowly to avoid overdrying it.
• If you want to make more oobleck, just double the recipe (2 cups corn starch to 2 cups water).

Head over to our Instagram page to watch how we make oobleck!

The oobleck experience: fun and fascination.

Once your oobleck is ready, the real fun begins! Invite the kids (and the kids at heart) to dive their hands into the sensory delight of oobleck. Feel the strange sensation as it alternates between flowing through your fingers and solidifying under pressure. Experiment with different colours and textures, turning oobleck play into a creative adventure.

You can turn it into a solid ball, but only for a second before it runs away in your hands. It will surprise and delight you when you first experience it, and like most people, you may just want to keep squeezing and pressing it over and over until your brain somehow comes to grips with the concept of non-Newtonian liquids.

More than just messy play: The science of oobleck

While oobleck may seem like mere child’s play, it’s also a great science experiment in disguise. Dive deeper into the physics behind this weird substance as you explore concepts like viscosity, shear thickening and non-Newtonian fluids.

Watch in amazement as oobleck defies the laws of conventional liquids, offering a hands-on lesson in fluid dynamics.

The mesmerising behaviour of oobleck can be attributed to a phenomenon known as shear thickening. When a force is applied to oobleck, such as squeezing or stirring, its viscosity increases, causing it to behave more like a solid.

However, when the force is removed, it returns to its liquid-like state. This peculiar response is due to the arrangement of corn starch particles suspended in water. Under stress, these particles temporarily lock together, creating a semi-solid structure. But once the stress is relieved, the particles can slide past each other, allowing the substance to flow freely once again. Bizarre I know!

Exploring oobleck’s applications

Non-Newtonian fluids are highly useful in everyday life and are used in a variety of industrial processes. Their ability to adjust their viscosity and flow behaviour in response to external forces makes them invaluable in manufacturing, particularly in fields such as food processing, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

For example, in food production, non-Newtonian fluids like tomato sauce and mayonnaise exhibit shear thinning behaviour, making them easier to dispense from bottles while still maintaining their desired consistency on a plate. Similarly, in cosmetic formulations, non-Newtonian fluids help achieve optimal texture and spreadability in creams and lotions. Who knew?

While oobleck’s primary appeal lies in its entertaining and mesmerising properties, it also boasts several practical applications across various fields:

• Educational tool : Oobleck serves as an excellent educational tool for teaching concepts related to states of matter, viscosity and shear thickening. Its unique properties make science lessons engaging and memorable for students of all ages.
• Impact protection : The shear thickening behaviour of oobleck has sparked interest in its potential applications for impact protection. Researchers are exploring ways to incorporate similar materials into body armour and protective gear to enhance impact resistance.
• Art and entertainment : Oobleck’s playful nature makes it a popular choice for art installations, sensory experiences and interactive exhibits. Artists and performers often incorporate it into their work to create immersive experiences for audiences.
• Non-Newtonian fluid dynamics research : Scientists study oobleck and similar materials to gain insights into complex fluid dynamics and rheological phenomena (the study of the flow of matter). Understanding these properties can lead to advancements in various fields, including materials science, engineering and medicine.

How to store oobleck

To prolong the oobleck fun, store it in an airtight container when not in use. This will help prevent it from drying out and ensure that it’s ready for more sensory play whenever the mood strikes.

Consider setting up a dedicated sensory bin for oobleck adventures, complete with plastic containers, tools and toys for endless imaginative exploration.

Using this oobleck recipe to introduce a world of wonder

In the realm of curious substances that challenge our understanding of physics, oobleck stands as a testament to the bizarre and fascinating properties of non-Newtonian fluids.

From its origins in children’s literature to its applications in cutting-edge research, oobleck continues to captivate the imagination of scientists and enthusiasts alike. It is a delight and amazement to people of all ages.

Whether used for educational demonstrations, scientific research or artistic expression, oobleck serves as a reminder of the boundless wonders waiting to be discovered in the world of materials science. With just a little bit of corn starch, water and imagination, you can unleash the wonders of this weird and wonderful substance for an unforgettable sensory experience.

What to make next?

• 5 easy kids’ activities to do at home  
• 9 fun indoor things to do with kids that are also educational  
• 13 craft ideas for kids, made from everyday materials  

How helpful was this article?

Click on a star to rate it!

Be the first to rate this post!

The skincare trend you don’t want your tweens to be on

What to do when my child is out-of-control

Adriana Wales

Related posts, spicy pumpkin soup , easy one-pot mexican quinoa , pocket money for kids: how to do it right , the best homemade nutella , creamy vegan iced chocolate recipe , 8 meat-free dinner ideas .

SIGN UP HERE

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Registration is closed.

See our latest activities and ideas first!

How to Make Oobleck – The Best Dr. Seuss Science Activities

Oobleck is a super cool sensory activity and an exciting science experiment, perfect for kids and adults of all ages. As I planned for a Dr. Seuss theme, I knew we needed to include Bartholomew and the Oobleck. This simple Oobleck recipe will have your children enjoying slimy, gooey sensory play full of science lessons.

Dr. Seuss Science Activities

How to Make Oobleck

Every March,  Read Across America  inspires us to read more and enjoy Dr. Seuss activities and crafts. Pairing a great book with a fun preschool science experiment and activities is always so much fun. 

Oobleck Slime

When I was younger, I was obsessed with the thought of quicksand. I’m not exactly sure what movie or book put the fear in my head, but every time I would run through the woods with my friends, I would think about what I would do if I got stuck.

Oobleck is very similar to quicksand and has been so much fun to make and enjoy with my children.

Oobleck is a fascinating substance that gels when it’s handled or moved but liquifies when left alone. Its scientific name is non-Newtonian fluid, but you might be more familiar with its moniker – Oobleck – taken from Dr. Seuss’s classic book character Bartholomew Cubbins .

It’s an appropriate title because, in the story, Bartholomew encounters a sticky substance called oobleck that he has to dance and jump around to get rid of! Hence, what better way to honor our favorite adventurous character than by calling this slippery, funny goo ‘Oobleck’!

Is Oobleck a liquid or a solid?

Over the years, we’ve played with many cool sensory activities , but Oobleck is one of a kind. Not a liquid, not a solid, It is called Non-Newtonian fluids.

Wikipedia states “A  non-Newtonian fluid  is a fluid that does not follow Newton’s law of viscosity” Click here to read more about what a non-Newtonian fluid is.

When you apply pressure to the oobleck by squeezing it or balling it up in your hands, it increases its thickness. But, a light touch or place your hand slowly into the oobleck mixture, and your fingers will slip and slide right through.

Moving slowly with your hands will give the cornstarch particles time to move out of the way.

Dr Seuss Stem Activities

What materials do you need to make Oobleck?

What you will need to make your oobleck  is in this picture below. However, I have it displayed in a recipe list form to print out towards the bottom of the page. Have Fun!

It only takes 2 ingredients Corn Starch Water Food Coloring is optional

Add 8-10 drops of food coloring to 1 cup of water and mix.

Place your cornstarch into a bowl and add the green water.

Mix everything with a spoon; it’ll be hard but keep mixing. If it seems a little dry, then add a little bit more water.

Form it into a ball and watch it melt into a liquid through your fingers. Have fun playing with your Oobleck.

Dr Seuss Science Activities

The science behind this incredible transformation lies in the particles, which, when disturbed in motion by touch, will separate to give it that squishy, liquid sensation.

Obviously, you can have heaps of fun with experiments using Oobleck, but it doesn’t stop there –this material also offers many applications for engineering too, including designs for buildings and roads which are hard as stone yet soft as mud, providing shock absorption for cars and robots alike.

What was once considered magic is now actually science – who knew?

Dr. Seuss Books

Combining literacy, sensory play, and science is perfect for hands-on learning.

PIN HOW TO MAKE OOBLECK – DR SEUSS SCIENCE ACTIVITIES TO SAVE

Are your kid’s fans of Dr. Seuss? If so, they’ll love this fun and easy science activity inspired by one of his most famous books! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make oobleck – a gooey, slimy substance that behaves like a liquid and a solid. It’s perfect for playing with on a rainy day (or any day)!

Oobleck Recipe Printable

CLICK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT YOUR OOBLECK RECIPE

What’s the fun in making Oobleck if you can’t experiment? There are so many ways to explore and measure Oobleck’s properties, making this a great science activity for kids and adults.

Try experimenting with different mixtures to see how the texture changes. Decide whether adding food coloring will make a difference.

Measure how long it takes Oobleck to move around your hand when you open and close it. Or, pick up an object placed on top of the Oobleck – does it stay in place or sink?

Investigate these wonders yourself! Get creative with your homemade Oobleck and have a blast doing some wild science experiments.

Activities for Kids

Studies have shown that you will also love the following ideas if you like them. I have pulled them together for you right here!

40+ Slime Recipes and Slime Videos

80+ Dr. Seuss Party Ideas for Kids

Galaxy Oobleck Easy Science Activities

Oobleck Recipe

• 2 Cups Corn Starch
• 1 Cup Water
• Food Coloring

In the 1 cup of water, add 8-10 drops of food coloring and mix

Place corn starch into a bowl and add the green water

Mix together with a spoon, it’ll be hard but keep mixing. If it seems a little dry, then add a little bit more water.

It’s like a solid and liquid at the same time and it's called A non-Newtonian fluid. Form it into a ball and watch it melt into a liquid through your fingers

A Year Of Oobleck Recipes, Science Experiments and Activities

We love Oobleck around here. It is non-toxic, super easy to make with items in your pantry, fantastic for all ages, and teaches some fascinating scientific principles. In fact we have created so many Oobleck projects we had people asking for me to put them all together into one big, year long, classroom resource. I’m excited to say it is finally here!

12 Months of Oobleck Projects

What you will discover in this article!

Disclaimer: This article may contain commission or affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer I earn from qualifying purchases. Not seeing our videos? Turn off any adblockers to ensure our video feed can be seen. Or visit our YouTube channel to see if the video has been uploaded there. We are slowly uploading our archives. Thanks!

What is Oobleck?

Oobleck, is also known as magic mud, goop, goo, oobleck slime, slime and, of course, for our science minded folks, a non-Newtonian Fluid. It is non-toxic, crazy fun, easy to make, messy and a fantastic sensory experience for kids of all ages.

So what makes it so fascinating? It’s the way it moves! Yes I said moves!

Think for a moment about how water or syrup flow, whether you pour them out of a cup or squish them in your hands, they have a predictable, consistent pattern of movement.

Oobleck is completely baffling and doesn’t behave like a proper liquid at all. Instead of flowing predictably, It becomes solid under pressure. Punch it and it becomes solid, you can even walk on it! Move it around in your hands and it takes on play dough like consistency. Some of our recipes get so hard under pressure I have broken finger nails playing with them!

But here is the extra crazy fun part, open your hands and release that pressure or stop squishing the Oobleck, and it flows like regular liquid between your fingers. Or stop walking/running across it and you will sink.

Are you seeing all the amazing sensory science opportunities here? It is no wonder kids love playing with Oobleck so much! And since it is non-toxic and taste safe (using items in your kitchen right now), you can use it for your preschoolers to teenagers for some messy, fun sensory science.

How Does Oobleck Work?

So how exactly does this crazy substance work? Let’s dig into a little science!

Sir Isaac Newton had a number of theories around fluid dynamics. These laws and rules explained how we could readily predict how liquids behave and their properties. Then we have our rule breaker! With Oobleck we have a non-Newtonian Fluid because it doesn’t follow Newton’s Law of Viscosity. Fluid should not become solid under pressure!

BREAKING NEWS! Learn more about some of the latest scientific studies, investigations and models of Oobleck non-Newtonian Fluids here.

IS Oobleck a Solid or a liquid?

If you have ever played with Oobleck you know it doesn’t behave the way you would expect at all. When you apply force it becomes a solid. You can actually walk on it, or mold it like play dough, as long as you keep the force up.

Remove that pressure and force though, and it will flow through your fingers.

This phenomenon is called “shear thickening” and it occurs in materials made up of microscopic solid particles suspended in a fluid. Oobleck therefore is a suspension. The solid molecules are not dissolving in the liquid, they are simply suspended. When you make Oobleck you will see it quickly separates. The suspended molecules settle to the bottom and the liquid rises to the top of the container.

Also as the name, non-Newtonian Fluid, implies, Oobleck is a fluid. Just a very strangely behaving one!

Want to know more about the science behind Oobleck? We dig into the science in our new printable resource!

How Did Oobleck Get It’s Name?

Although this non-Newtonian Fluid goes by many names, including magic mud, goo, goop, or the most common name is Oobleck. But where did the term “Oobleck” come from? In fact it was created by none other than Dr. Seuss.

Back in 1949 Dr. Seuss wrote a book called Bartholomew and the Oobleck . It is a story about a king who was bored with the weather and asked his team of magicians to create something new to entertain him. The result was this gloopy, sloppy, sticky substance that rained down from the sky on the unsuspecting villagers. A substance that had a lot of properties in common with our beloved non-Newtonian Fluid. It may not have been intentional, but it is a fantastic story of how this magical substance got its name.

How to Make Oobleck

There are many different ways to make Oobleck, the most common uses Corn Starch, but there are many other recipes which makes Oobleck the perfect project for a year long study!

That’s where our new printable resource comes in.

Oobleck Sensory Science provides a detailed background on Oobleck and how it works. Including lots of extra science for your curious scientists!

In addition, we have included a full year of recipes, science experiments, and activities for your home or classroom. Every month you can explore something new about Oobleck.

Here is just a sample of what’s included: 5 Proven Recipes Science Fair Project Oobleck Recipes and Projects to Celebrate Holidays & Seasons Science Experiments using Oobleck Fun Sensory Games and More!

Interested in learning more and incorporating Oobleck into your lessons this year? Check out our Oobleck Sensory Science book now! It is available on Teachers Paying Teachers or in our Store as a immediate delivery, printable PDF.

MORE FUN FOR THE CLASSROOM

5 Days of Smart STEM Ideas for Kids

Get started in STEM with easy, engaging activities.

How to Make Galaxy Oobleck (with a science twist!)

Categories Seasonal STEAM , Summer STEM Activities

Doing STEM activities in the summer is so much fun! Kids can learn a lot doing science experiments for kids at home in the summer, and the galaxy oobleck science experiment is the perfect example of the best summer science project!

With galaxy oobleck, you can learn all about density, fluids, states of matter, and non-Newtonian fluids right in your own backyard.

The fun galaxy colors make this one of our favorite summer STEM activities !

Don’t let your kids waste their brainpower on screen time all summer long, make things fun and interesting with the oobleck science experiment!

Kids will have a blast making it!

Why is it Important to Add Science when Making Oobleck?

Summer is a time of relaxing and fun and no learning activities.

Well.. that’s not what we believe here.

Our summers are always full of DIY summer camps and tons of summer learning activities. 

One of our favorite summer activities are science experiments. We’ve been doing science experiments every summer since about 2014, and my kids really look forward to doing hands-on science experiments and science projects at home during the summer months.

The biggest advantage to doing summer science experiments at home is that your kids will retain more knowledge over the summer, and come back prepared for learning in the fall.

My kids always score at the top of the class in science thanks to all the science activities we’ve done at home over the years.

It makes quite a difference in their opinion of science and the subjects they prefer at school.

Doing science with girls is particularly important because sometimes science can still have a “boy” vibe, which makes some girls feel like they can’t be that interested in the subject.

Which is of course, silly. Kids of both sexes can enjoy science experiments at home.

For more fun space-themed learning, try making a solar system mobile , planet slime,  or galaxy slime!

What is Oobleck?

Oobleck is a substance that has both properties of a liquid and properties of a solid at the same time. The name Oobleck comes from an old Dr. Seuss book, called Bartholomew and the Oobleck, which was a big, green, gooey monster.

I don’t know who the first person was to call cornstarch quicksand oobleck, but the name stuck, and now almost everyone knows what oobleck is.

Whether you call it goop, oobleck, cornstarch quicksand, cornflower soup, or anything else, it’s a fun and simple science experiment that you can use to teach the states of matter to kids.

Try freezing it for even more science learning!

You’ll also want to try: Summer Slime Recipes

The Science Behind Oobleck

Oobleck works because it is a non-Newtonian fluid. Issac Newton thought that things could not act like different states of matter at the same time. But cornstarch quicksand does.

When you apply pressure to the molecules in the oobleck, they stick together and form a solid. But when you release the pressure, there is nothing holding the molecules together, so they drift apart like a liquid.

That is why if you make a big enough tub of oobleck, you can run across it without sinking in, but if you stand still, you sink right in.

But try to get out too fast and you’ve run into a problem!

Oobleck Lesson Plan

Get the science lab and oobleck lesson plan that goes along with making oobleck!

Turn this into an Oobleck STEM Activity!

Science: Explore the science of non-Newtonian fluids. What makes it act like a liquid and a solid?

Technology: While making the oobleck, learn about the technology we use to view galaxies and nebula in space.

Engineering: Experiment with mixing your oobleck colors to create the prettiest oobleck recipe.

Math: Measure the idea ratio of cornstarch to liquid to make the perfect oobleck!

More Fun Science: STEM Experiments for Elementary 

What Do You Need for Oobleck ?

This post contains affiliate links. View our privacy policy for more info.

Use liquid watercolors for less mess!

How to Make Oobleck

Follow along with these directions to do your own galaxy oobleck science experiment. Add in extra variables to make this science experiment your own!

Start by adding one cup of corn starch to a bowl or mason jar. You will need three jars total.

Add some blue, purple, and pink food coloring to one of each of the jars.

Add enough water to turn the oobleck from a solid, into nearly a liquid.

The liquid should be stiff enough to give resistance when you stir. That’s how you know the oobleck is the right consistancy.

It took us about 1/2 a cup of water to reach the right consistency, but each time you make it the ratios are slightly different.

Once the oobleck is mixed, pour it onto your tray.

Add glitter for dramatic effect.

Play with the oobleck. What happens when you squeeze it? What happens when you let it rest?

More Oobleck Recipes

Try these fun variations on the galaxy oobleck science experiment. What other versions can you make?

Cornstarch Quicksand

Glow in the Dark Oobleck

Valentine’s Day Oobleck

Peppermint Oobleck

Share this project with a friend!