Oobleck Science: Solid or Liquid?

What You Need:

• Newspaper
• Bowl
• Cornstarch (1 cup)
• Water
• Recyclable plastic tub
• Food coloring (optional)
• Old clothes or smock (optional)

What You Do:

1. Lay the newspaper down to cover your work surface.
2. Have your child pour 1 cup of cornstarch into the bowl.
3. Help your child add in water slowly, until the mixture is thick (about the consistency of syrup).
4. Stir a couple of drops of food coloring into the mixture, if your kid wants it to be a certain color.
5. Encourage your child to squeeze the oobleck between their fingers, asking them questions about the experience. Some great examples include: Can you shape the oobleck into a ball? What happens when you squeeze it in your fingers?
6. Have your child pour the mixture into the plastic tub. What happens?
7. With your child, experiment with the oobleck. Have your child make it into a ball and throw it into the air. Encourage your child to leave it out in the sun. Tell your child to try to bounce the oobleck. After each experiment, discuss what happened and why.