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Oobleck Meltdown

In the Oobleck Lab, students will mix cornstarch, water, and color to create a monster that can act like both a solid and a liquid. By squeezing, shaping, and watching their monster “melt,” they’ll explore the fascinating chemistry of non-Newtonian fluids.

Primary

non-newtonian fluids

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Project Details

Theme

October | Chemistry

Messy Level

3

Suggested Location

Lab or outside or gym

Prep & Classroom Structure

Example of how the classroom can be set up for project:



Halloween-themed Oobleck



Prep:

  • This is suitable for 1st and 2nd grades considering how messy it can be

  • Premeasure/pre-fill materials into baggies or like the first video go step by step.

  • Like in the first video, you may set up tables the same way for a better/wider visual of the class.

  • I would suggest groups of 2 and the students should follow the instructions step by step all together while lead is demonstrating.


Class flow:

  • Watch video and talk about oobleck and simplify non-newtonians.

  • Make sure the children take their time to explore how the matter gets more solid the more force you place on it vs if you leave it still.

  • After creating the oobleck, have the children roll it into a ball and place googly eyes and have them watch as the monster turns from solid to liquid.


What’s happening: This monster is made from oobleck, a mixture of cornstarch and water called a non-Newtonian fluid. When you push, squeeze, or hit it quickly, the cornstarch particles jam together and behave more like a solid—but when you stop applying pressure, the particles can move past one another and the monster flows like a liquid.

Materials

  • Cornstarch

  • water

  • Bowls

  • Paper plates

  • Spoons

  • Measuring cups

  • washable coloring

  • trays

  • Aprons (disposable)

  • Gloves

Project Instructions


  1. Pour about 2 parts cornstarch into a mixing bowl.

  2. In a separate cup, add a few drops of food coloring to the water and stir.

  3. Slowly pour the colored water into the cornstarch, mixing as you go. Start with roughly 1 part water for every 2 parts cornstarch.

  4. Continue mixing until you have a thick paste that feels solid when you squeeze or press it, but begins to flow when you release it. If it is too runny, add more cornstarch; if it is too dry, add a little more water.

  5. Scoop some of the mixture into your hands and shape it into a monster.

  6. Add wiggle eyes and monster features while the mixture is firm.

  7. Place your monster onto a tray and stop touching it. Watch as your solid-looking creature slowly “melts” into a puddle!

  8. Try squeezing, poking, rolling, or tapping the mixture. Compare what happens when you move it quickly versus slowly.


Class Video

Please share with teacher:



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