Oobleck!

Today was an exciting day at school. We made oobleck!

What is oobleck, you say? Well, let me preface this post by explaining to you what my students are studying/what I am teaching in science at the moment. We are learning about the states of matter, which is totally awesome because there are TONS of awesome experiments and hands on projects. Now, back to oobleck.

Technically, it is a non-newtonian fluid. In a simpler, more 2nd grade appropriate term, it can be both a solid and a liquid at the same time, and "feels totally awesome!" (direct quote from an actual 2nd grader right there) If you haven't tried making oobleck before, you NEED to try it. It is the coolest!

Here is the incredibly easy directions:

1. Pick up supplies: cornstarch and water. Food coloring if you want to add an extra fancy factor. 
2. Mix cornstarch and water, approximate ratio is 1 and 1/2 cup cornstarch to 1 cup water. 
3. Enjoy! 

You may need to add more cornstarch or more water depending on how it mixes up, but when mixed properly, it will be a liquid substance when you slowly run yours fingers through it, but will turn hard when you poke it or smack it. Like I said, it is the coolest. My students fully enjoyed it! But beware, it is a bit messy. Its all part of the fun!

Oobleck awesomeness

Now go enjoy your non-newtonian fluid.  

P.S. There is a great Dr. Suess book called Bartholomew and the Oobleck. Cross curricular education there, my friends! Reading, science, Dr. Suess...it doesn't get much better than that!