How to Make Oobleck
Get ready for some ooey, gooey, slippery, slimey, fun! This project is without a doubt super messy, but it also happens to be one of the coolest tactile activities out there. When mixed right, oobleck has a consistency that changes from liquid to solid and back to liquid again.
A tarp (seriously!)
Table covering that can get messy
Baking/roasting pan or bin (something with a good 2 inch lip) or bowl
Cornstarch (at least 2 cups)
Water
Food coloring (optional)
Mixing spoon (optional)
Place 1 1/2 cups of cornstarch into your pan or bowl. Measure out 1 cup of slightly warm water. Add food coloring if you like.
Slowly and gently pour in the water, mixing with your hand or a spoon. If you want thicker Oobleck, slowly add more cornstarch; if you want soupier oobleck, add a bit more water. Make sure you do this a little bit at a time, so that you get the consistency you want.
Play with your Oobleck! Slowly lower your hand into the mixture and move it around. The Oobleck will shift and cling like a liquid. Squeeze and form your Oobleck into a ball. It will hold the solid shape and then start to "melt" into a puddle. Have fun with your Oobleck -- try scooping it up in your hands and letting it drip through your fingers. Shape it, knead it, experiment with it!
1. Make sure to have a sink or wipes handy... this is a messy activity!
2. When done playing with your Oobleck, you can store it in an airtight container or Ziplock baggie.
3. Oobleck clean up can be pretty serious. You may have to wipe down an exposed counter a few times because the cornstarch leaves a residue.