Dr. Seuss Oobleck Experiment: Is it solid or liquid? Or BOTH?

By sarah
Category: Science
Time Required: 10-20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Not only is this a fun and messy experiment, it’s also a great way to learn about science! The kids will love it because they can get their hands dirty and be amazed at the characteristics of the Oobleck. Teachers and parents will love it because the kids will want to learn about the Oobleck and it’s a great gateway to getting your kids interested in science!

Steps

Step #1:

Gather all of your necessary parts: cornstarch, 1.5 cups of water, large plastic tub, and wooden stirrers (if needed).
The first step will be to pour the entire container of cornstarch into the large plastic container. Make sure that it is evenly dispersed throughout the container.
If you are using this project as a learning experience, be sure to take the time to instruct your audience to feel the texture of the cornstarch. Describe how fine the grains of the cornstarch are and how different it feels from any other powder substance. Then get the audience to predict what will happen once the water is added.

Conclusion

The goo that you have just made is considered to be a non-Newtonian liquid. Sir Isaac Newton, who was one of the greatest scientists that ever lived, stated that liquids flow at predictable rates. Oobleck is just the opposite! For instance, if you have water, which is a Newtonian liquid, in a water pistol and you push the trigger slowly the water doesn't reach a very long distance. It you apply 2 times more pressure to the trigger, the water should go twice as far!

Oobleck is just the opposite. When you apply more force the goo turns "solid". It acts like this because it is a suspension, meaning the cornstarch is not dissolved. If the concoction sat for long enough the cornstarch would settle to the bottom of the container.

Hope you enjoyed the experiment as much as my classmates and I did!