Pages

Monday, April 25, 2011

What is Oobleck?

Bartholomew and the Oobleck: (Caldecott Honor Book) (Classic Seuss)                     

Making Oobleck is a perfect activity when studying Matter because it presents characteristics of a liquid and a solid. Plus, it's an EASY, MESSY, and FUN activity which kids LOVE!

But, what is Oobleck???
Scientists call Oobleck a non-newtonian fluid because it acts like a liquid when you pour it but it acts like a solid when a force acts on it.






Materials 

  • measuring cup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups cornstarch
  • food coloring (few drops) - optional
  • spoons/mixing sticks
  • plastic containers
  • small zip-lock plastic bag
  • old clothes or aprons (suggested)
  • plastic tablecloth or other covering (suggested)
  • warm water and paper towels (for clean-up)
  • other cleaning supplies as needed
You may need more cornstarch or water than what is listed above. 






Directions

  • Review the states of matter especially liquids and solids.
  • Have children observe and discuss the materials needed for the activity.
  • Pour the cornstarch into the bowl. Observe.
  • Add the water slowly, stir, and mix. Observe.
  • Students can finish mixing the Oobleck with their  hands.
  • Have students describe how it feels and discuss its characteristics.
  • Try to pour the Oobleck into another container.
  • Students could store the Oobleck in a plastic bag to use later.
  • Wash all containers, utensils, hands, etc. 
  • Do NOT put any Oobleck in the drains!




    Follow-up



    • Read Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Suess.
    • Compare and contrast the Oobleck in the book to the Oobleck the kids made.

     
                 

    Extension Activities

    Other similar substances to experiment with are slime and silly putty.

    Here's a link to the Saugus, MA Public Library and their Silly Putty Saturday Science Activity.
    Click here: Children's Services Saturday Science


    Science Bob has 2 recipes for Slime on his website.
    Click here: Science Bob Slime Recipe 1

    _________________________________________________________



    5 comments:

    1. Following from wed blog hop.
      Hope to have you return the follow.
      Blessings

      mamawannasave.com

      ReplyDelete
    2. My kids love Dr Seuss! I will have to give this recipe a try!!

      Following from Wordless Wednesdays.
      Hope to have you return the favor.

      http://thevelveteenrabbitblog.blogspot.com

      ReplyDelete
    3. I'm a homeschooler who found your blog on Wordless Wednesdays........LOVE your site! I'm at www.imsewcheap.blogspot.com....stop on by!

      ReplyDelete
    4. New follower from Wordless Wednesday. I love your blog...we are going to have to try this. This will be fun.

      Come visit us sometime.
      www.krazykuehnerdays.com

      Renita

      ReplyDelete
    5. I've been meaning to make some of this for a while!!! Have you seen the video on Youtube of the pool full of it?! How fun would that be? LOL

      New follower here! Hope you will check out my blog. I'm hosting my first ever giveaway and would really appreciate if you checked them out! Thanks! =D

      http://interruptingcowreviews.blogspot.com/2011/04/giveaway-win-this-adorable-wipes-case.html

      ReplyDelete