It’s a Solid… It’s a Liquid… It’s Oobleck! [4-H Activity]

Child stirring Oobleck in a bucket

Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid; it has properties of both liquids and solids. You can slowly dip your hand into it like a liquid, but if you squeeze the oobleck or punch it, it will feel solid.

Ages 5-7 (great for families to do together) 

Materials Needed:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Corn starch
  • Water
  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructors: Amanda Royce & Caitlin Wollack

This is a pre-recorded video with instructions on how to make your very own oobleck. Have fun playing around with it and find out how it acts differently from a normal liquid and a normal solid.

Things to try:
  • Grab a handful and squeeze it. Let it ooze through your fingers.
  • Make a puddle and quickly drag your fingers through it.
  • Punch at the oobleck and then slowly let your fist sink in.
  • Roll some oobleck into a ball. It becomes solid, but when you stop moving it, it will melt back into your hand. Try tossing it in the sky, or to a friend.
  • Make slime
Take things a bit further and learn more here!

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