About Oobleck: Based on the Dr. Seuss book Batholomew and the Oobleck, this substance is a non-Newtonian fluid. That means the substance is both a liquid and a solid depending upon the influence on the substance. When you apply force or motion to the oobleck it becomes a solid. When there is no force or motion applied it remains in a liquid state. When left on its own, oobleck will drip and move fluidly. It follows the rules of gravity, but it has some surprising qualities.
When making this fun substance you have some freedom with measuring the ingredients. We recommend trying the recipes with equal parts corn starch and water first and adjusting the recipe from there as needed. Depending upon your preferences, you can add more or less water to make the oobleck thicker or thinner. There really is no "right way" to go about it!
Basic Oobleck
Corn Starch
Water
Food coloring (optional)
Combine to make oobleck!
Click on photos to enlarge.
Scented Oobleck
Corn Starch
Water
Food coloring (optional)
Choose one of the following additives for scent:
Peppermint extract
Vanilla extract
Coconut extract
Almond extract
Pumpkin pie spice
Cinnamon
Mix desired corn starch and water with 1/2 teaspoon of extract or a few shakes of spices to get the desired consistency of oobleck.
Click on photos to enlarge.
Firework Oobleck
Corn Starch
Water
Fizzy colored bath tablets cut into small chunks
Put tablets in a pan and cover with pre-mixed oobleck.
Handout
Playdough in the Classroom Recipes and Resources - PDF
Playdough in the Classroom Recipes and Resources - WORD