Sensory Fun with Corn Starch

Oobleck

1 suppliesMaterials needed:

  • Corn starch
  • Water
  • Measuring spoon or cup
  • Zippered baggie or bowl
  • Food coloring, glitter - optional

Non-Newtonian fluids can’t decide if they want to be a solid or a liquid. They can be either a liquid OR a solid, depending on how much pressure you exert on them. So for example, if you poke a non-Newtonian fluid with your finger, you are putting force or pressure on it, which causes it to act like a solid. Without that pressure, it acts like a liquid.

Today we are going make Oobleck, which is a Non-Newtonian fluid like quicksand. It’s a solid! It’s a liquid! It’s both!

Steps:

  1. Measure two parts corn starch to one part water
  2. Place in zippered baggie or bowl
  3. Mix
  4. Observe!observe

Dish Soap Putty

Materials needed:

  • Dish soap
  • Corn starch
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Bowl and spoon for mixing

Steps:

  1. Mix 2 tablespoons corn starch with 1.5 tablespoons dish soap
  2. Add food coloring as desired
  3. You may need to add more dish soap to reach desired consistency.action (1)