Oobleck

Oobleck is a special kind of fluid called a non-Newtonian fluid. It can be two things, a liquid and a solid. To make Oobleck, this is what you need: a large bowl, a large spoon, water, and corn starch (and food colouring if you want your Oobleck to be colourful).

Directions

Put two cups of water in the bowl, along with about 10 drops of food colouring if you want to make it colourful. Add two or three cups of flour, and mix well with the large spoon. Knead it a bit with your hands if the mixing becomes difficult.

Experiments

Experiment 1

Slowly put your hand into the bowl until it touches the bottom. Then quickly pull your hand up. The bowl should come with it.

Experiment 2

Try punching the Oobleck. It should feel hard.

Facts

If you apply pressure to Oobleck, it will act like a solid. If you handle Oobleck slowly, it will act like a liquid. Have you ever tried walking on water? I bet you haven't because you know it's pretty much impossible. But what if you had a pool of Oobleck? If you tried walking on it, you would immediately sink. This is because you would not be applying any pressure, which would make the Oobleck act like a liquid.

If you tried jumping on it, the result would be a bit more successful. Whenever you land, you would be applying pressure to the Oobleck, making it act like a solid. But it would be difficult to make a jump from off the Oobleck. So, even though you could stand on it for a couple seconds, you would not be able to make it to the other side of the pool.

If you tried running over it as fast as you could, you would make it to the other side of the pool. With each footfall, you would be applying pressure quickly, and since everybody knows that running is fast, your foot will only stay on the Oobleck for one or two seconds, not enough time for your foot to sink.

When you are finished with your Oobleck, DO NOT put it down the drain! It will clog up your pipes. Instead, seal it in a bag and put it in the trash.

I hope you have enjoyed this post!