How to Make Oobleck – The Best Dr. Seuss Science Activities
Oobleck is a super cool sensory activity and an exciting science experiment, perfect for kids and adults of all ages. As I planned for a Dr. Seuss theme, I knew we needed to include Bartholomew and the Oobleck. This simple Oobleck recipe will have your children enjoying slimy, gooey sensory play full of science lessons.
Dr. Seuss Science Activities
How to Make Oobleck
Every March, Read Across America inspires us to read more and enjoy Dr. Seuss activities and crafts. Pairing a great book with a fun preschool science experiment and activities is always so much fun.
Oobleck Slime
When I was younger, I was obsessed with the thought of quicksand. I’m not exactly sure what movie or book put the fear in my head, but every time I would run through the woods with my friends, I would think about what I would do if I got stuck.
Oobleck is very similar to quicksand and has been so much fun to make and enjoy with my children.
Oobleck is a fascinating substance that gels when it’s handled or moved but liquifies when left alone. Its scientific name is non-Newtonian fluid, but you might be more familiar with its moniker – Oobleck – taken from Dr. Seuss’s classic book character Bartholomew Cubbins.
It’s an appropriate title because, in the story, Bartholomew encounters a sticky substance called oobleck that he has to dance and jump around to get rid of! Hence, what better way to honor our favorite adventurous character than by calling this slippery, funny goo ‘Oobleck’!
Is Oobleck a liquid or a solid?
Over the years, we’ve played with many cool sensory activities, but Oobleck is one of a kind. Not a liquid, not a solid, It is called Non-Newtonian fluids.
Wikipedia states “A non-Newtonian fluid is a fluid that does not follow Newton’s law of viscosity” Click here to read more about what a non-Newtonian fluid is.
When you apply pressure to the oobleck by squeezing it or balling it up in your hands, it increases its thickness. But, a light touch or place your hand slowly into the oobleck mixture, and your fingers will slip and slide right through.
Moving slowly with your hands will give the cornstarch particles time to move out of the way.
Dr Seuss Stem Activities
What materials do you need to make Oobleck?
What you will need to make your oobleck is in this picture below. However, I have it displayed in a recipe list form to print out towards the bottom of the page. Have Fun!
It only takes 2 ingredients
Corn Starch
Water
Food Coloring is optional
How to Make Oobleck
Add 8-10 drops of food coloring to 1 cup of water and mix.
Place your cornstarch into a bowl and add the green water.
Mix everything with a spoon; it’ll be hard but keep mixing. If it seems a little dry, then add a little bit more water.
Form it into a ball and watch it melt into a liquid through your fingers. Have fun
Dr Seuss Science Activities
The science behind this incredible transformation lies in the particles, which, when disturbed in motion by touch, will separate to give it that squishy, liquid sensation.
Obviously, you can have heaps of fun with experiments using Oobleck, but it doesn’t stop there –this material also offers many applications for engineering too, including designs for buildings and roads which are hard as stone yet soft as mud, providing shock absorption for cars and robots alike.
What was once considered magic is now actually science – who knew?
Dr. Seuss Books
Combining literacy, sensory play, and science is perfect for hands-on learning.
PIN HOW TO MAKE OOBLECK – DR SEUSS SCIENCE ACTIVITIES TO SAVE
Are your kid’s fans of Dr. Seuss? If so, they’ll love this fun and easy science activity inspired by one of his most famous books! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make oobleck – a gooey, slimy substance that behaves like a liquid and a solid. It’s perfect for playing with on a rainy day (or any day)!
Oobleck Recipe Printable
CLICK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT YOUR OOBLECK RECIPE
What’s the fun in making Oobleck if you can’t experiment? There are so many ways to explore and measure Oobleck’s properties, making this a great science activity for kids and adults.
Try experimenting with different mixtures to see how the texture changes. Decide whether adding food coloring will make a difference.
Measure how long it takes Oobleck to move around your hand when you open and close it. Or, pick up an object placed on top of the Oobleck – does it stay in place or sink?
Investigate these wonders yourself! Get creative with your homemade Oobleck and have a blast doing some wild science experiments.
Activities for Kids
Studies have shown that you will also love the following ideas if you like them. I have pulled them together for you right here!
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Galaxy Oobleck Easy Science Activities
Oobleck Recipe
- 2 Cups Corn Starch
- 1 Cup Water
- Food Coloring
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In the 1 cup of water, add 8-10 drops of food coloring and mix
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Place corn starch into a bowl and add the green water
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Mix together with a spoon, it’ll be hard but keep mixing. If it seems a little dry, then add a little bit more water.
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It’s like a solid and liquid at the same time and it's called A non-Newtonian fluid. Form it into a ball and watch it melt into a liquid through your fingers