Oobleck
Solid or Liquid, why not both with Oobleck! Explore the unique properties of this non-Newtonian fluid—pouring it, squishing it, and watching it flow.
Supplies & Setup
Cornstarch
Water
Sensory bin
Food coloring
Sensory tools (spoons, cups, toy figurines)
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch and water in a 2:1 ratio (e.g., 1 cup cornstarch to 1/2 cup water).
Add a few drops of food coloring if desired. Mix well until you achieve a gooey consistency.
Show your kiddo how pressing the oobleck quickly turns it into a solid, while releasing pressure makes it flow like a liquid.
Encourage them to immerse their hands in the oobleck and feel its consistency - scoop it up, let it drip, and squeeze between their fingers.
Fun Tip!
If you've added food coloring, prompt your kiddo to mix different colors of Oobleck together to create new shades.
What will they learn?
Sensory Exploration: Manipulating the Oobleck allows toddlers to explore its unique texture, which is both liquid and solid, stimulating their tactile senses and providing a fascinating sensory experience.
Scientific Concepts: Experimenting with Oobleck introduces toddlers to basic scientific concepts such as states of matter and viscosity. They can observe how the oobleck behaves differently depending on how much pressure is applied and learn about the properties of non-Newtonian fluids.
Cause and Effect: Toddlers can observe how their actions, such as squeezing or stirring the oobleck, produce different effects, fostering an understanding of cause and effect relationships.
Creativity and Imagination: Oobleck's unique properties encourage open-ended exploration and experimentation, allowing toddlers to use their imagination to create and play in imaginative ways.
