The Summer Science Club is a collection of fun kid friendly science experiments and STEM projects explained.
As school ends millions of kids are released from a strict schedule of learning and innovating. As a kid who grew up with a science teacher mom and an engineering dad I spent my summers doing science experiments and STEM projects. I came out of every summer with many new skills and knowledge of the world around me. Now, working with young kids at the library and babysitting kids, I teach these experiments to others.
Oobleck is the definition of an exception to the science world. The name Oobleck comes from one of the greatest writers of all time, Dr. Suess and his book Bartholemew and the Oobleck.
Everyone knows that science is full of rules, but Oobleck breaks a lot of them. Oobleck is the combination of cornstarch and water and you have probably seen it before. To be honest I kind of hate the slimy texture of Oobleck, but the science behind it is super interesting. And as a huge reader and book aficionado, I also love the origin of the name.
As kids, early in our school careers, we learned about the states of matter. Then as we grow up we get more in depth with our learning. We learn that solids, liquids, and gasses are the three main states of matter and make up everything around us. (Plasma is the fourth stage that is pushed to the corner) The properties of Oobleck defy these rules. Oobleck can be a solid or a liquid depending on the pressure that is applied. When you hold Oobleck in your hand and squeeze really tight it stays together and forms a ball. When you release pressure it turns back to a liquid. All of these properties means that Oobleck is classified as a Non-Newtonian substance.
Non-Newtonian fluids are classified because of viscosity. Viscosity means how liquid or solid a substance is. For example cake batter is more viscous than water. Most substances are one viscosity and are called Newtonian fluids, but Oobleck has a constantly changing viscosity depending on the pressure applied. Ketchup is another non-Newtonian substance that changes thickness depending on the pressure. When you first try to squeeze the bottle Ketchup doesn't come out of the bottle, but the more you shake the bottle the easier the ketchup will come out.
Oobleck is made up of water and cornstarch and changes viscosity because of the actions of the starch granules and the water's surface tension. The water lets the starch granules move around freely when very little pressure is applied, but when the Oobleck is squeezed the water is pushed out from between the granules and there is a lot more tension. Cornstarch has a lot of friction so when there is no water between the granules Oobleck turns less viscous.
Some experiments to try are as following
Mix different ratios of Cornstarch and Water together in a plate or container so that there is a layer about an inch thick.
Add some food coloring and different plastic toys and watch them slowly get eaten by the Oobleck.
Try to slowly pull them out and see how they are easy to move. Then try to rip them out of the Oobleck and notice how you can’t.
Hold the Oobleck in your hands and squeeze to watch it stay in a ball. Then let it go and watch it run through your fingers.
Make sure to put down newspapers or paper towels before you start experimenting so you don't make a mess. But if you do, Oobleck is super easy to wipe up with a damp cloth.
Have Fun!!
Work Cited/References
Oobleck. Imagination Station. (n.d.). https://www.imaginationstationtoledo.org/education/diy-activities/oobleck#:~:text=Oobleck%20is%20a%20suspension%20of,until%20you%20release%20the%20pressure.
Amungus, F., & Instructables. (2022, August 4). Oobleck: The dr. seuss science experiment. Instructables. https://www.instructables.com/Oobleck/
“How to Make Ooblack.” BBC Good Food, https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/oobleck.