One scientific mystery that I have seen enjoyed by students in pre-kindergarten through the eighth grade is the creation of Oobleck. Oobleck can be a very fun experiment to try when studying the phases of matter. The lesson’s objectives can be condensed to fit any age level. If used with small children try reading Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss before the project begins.
The Recipe for Oobleck (enough for six groups of students to investigate)
Ingredient List
Large mixing bowl
4 boxes of cornstarch
6 ¾ cups of water
15 drops of food coloring (Oobleck is usually made as green)
Mix the cornstarch, water, and food coloring together in a large mixing bowl, adding the cornstarch and water in intervals. The mixture should flow when the bowl is tipped on its side. When you touch the mixture it should feel like a solid.
Divide the Oobleck into six bowls for each group to investigate. Instruct students to explore the Oobleck by watching it flow as a liquid and then touching it to feel that it is a solid. Have fun with the experiment by suggesting that it may come from Mars. Have students imagine their own ideas about the substance.
Oobleck is very safe for student investigation. However, inform students that it should not be tasted or gotten into the eyes. Have students wash their hands after handling the Oobleck.
Older students can create charts detailing which characteristics of Oobleck are like a solid and which characteristics are like a liquid.
After the activity is complete, the Oobleck can be placed into Ziploc bags for students to carry home or covered with plastic and placed in the refrigerator to use later. Do not attempt to pour the Oobleck down the drain. It may clog. It can be thrown out in the trash or vacuumed up, if any spilled out.
Oobleck is not only a fun activity for students. Many scientists have examined the properties of Oobleck and it still remains a mystery. Albert Einstein wrote an article about the subject in 1906. Some liquids begin to loose the ability to flow when they are stirred or compressed. Some scientists believe that it is related to the chain of polymers that create cornstarch.
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