
Oobleck and Non-Newtonian Fluids
Easy
Can you roll a liquid into a ball with your bare hands?
Mix one cup of cornstarch with half a cup of water to create oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid (a liquid that does not follow the normal rules of flow). Squeeze it hard and it forms a solid ball. Let go and it drips through your fingers like honey. Tap it fast with a spoon and it resists. Move slowly and your hand sinks right in.
Try punching, pouring, and rolling the mixture to see how speed and pressure change the way it behaves.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that when you mix cornstarch and water, it will create a substance that behaves like a liquid at times and a solid in other times.
Science Concepts Learned
Non-Newtonian Fluids
Some liquids get thicker when you push them hard. A mix of cornstarch and water acts this way. Squeeze it hard and it forms a solid ball. Let go and it drips through your fingers like honey.
Method & Materials
You will mix cornstarch and water together to create Oobleck, then play around with it to see how it behaves. You can try picking it up and squeezing it to make a ball, tapping it slowly or quickly with a spoon, and letting it drip through your fingers. You might be surprised by what you discover!
You will need dry cornstarch, water, a large bowl or pan, food coloring (optional), measuring cups, and newspaper to protect your workspace from messes.
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In conclusion, Oobleck is a fascinating substance that challenges our understanding of how liquids behave. It seems like when you squeeze oobleck hard, it will behave like a solid, but if you let it flow, it will behave like a liquid.
Why do this project?
The simple mixture of cornstarch and water is a fun introduction to the complex science of non-Newtonian fluids!
Also Consider
Try adding different amounts of cornstarch and water to see how it affects the behavior of the Oobleck. Add other materials to the Oobleck, like sand or glitter, to see how it affects its properties.
Full project details
Additional information and source material for this project are available below.Related videos
These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
Follow along with this simple Oobleck recipe and try out the fun activities to play with Oobleck! See how Oobleck can behave like a solid and a liquid at the same time, making it super fun to play with. But be sure to throw it in the trash and not in the sink after you're done, or you might end up with a clogged sink!
Transform your leftover Oobleck into a dinosaur excavation activity! Keep the fun going by discovering hidden treasures buried in the dried out Oobleck!
Did you know that Oobleck, the non-Newtonian fluid that's so fun to play with, has practical applications beyond just being a science experiment? By studying its unique properties, MIT researchers have discovered better ways to fill potholes and create bulletproof vests. Dive into the fascinating science behind Oobleck and find out why its principles are being used in surprising applications.
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