Science doesn’t always have to be hard—in fact, it can be soft, slippery, and loads of fun! Science can be found even in a simple slime recipe. Are you ready to learn all about a slime sensation that’s straight from Seussville? Get your hands ready for Oobleck, the Dr. Seuss-inspired slime that’s a favorite with both kids and adults. We’re sharing the perfect Oobleck recipe and we’ve included some notes on how your child can learn some science just by making it!
Bond with Your Science Scavengers
Before we gush about our fun fluid recipe, allow us to gush about the best way to bond with your children at home. Let’s Roam’s in-home family scavenger hunts will keep the whole family entertained for hours. We even include a category for little scientists! With puzzles, riddles, and hilarious photo and video challenges, these hunts are perfect for the whole family. And when you’re ready to step out, consider our outdoor scavenger hunt ideas!
GO ON A SCAVENGER HUNT
What is Oobleck?
Simply put, Oobleck is a type of slime. It is a non-Newtonian fluid. (How science-y!) Don’t be put off by the name—it is simpler than you think. A non-Newtonian fluid is something that does not follow Newton’s laws of viscosity. This means that Oobleck acts like a liquid when it is poured but stays solid when a force is acting on it. When you try this Oobleck recipe, pick some of it up in your hand and hold your fingers apart. It will slide right through your fingers. BUT, if you put it in a jar and press it with your fingers, you will find that it holds its shape and stays solid!
Oobleck isn’t the only non-Newtonian fluid out there. For instance, even ketchup is a Newtonian fluid, just like silly putty is. Non-Newtonian fluids are suspensions, which means that they can take on the characteristics of both solids and liquids. Next time your kid asks for ketchup, prepare to bamboozle them!
P.S. Remember that all non-Newtonian fluids are not made alike. Just because ketchup is a non-Newtonian fluid doesn’t mean that you can play with it like Oobleck!
Oobleck is a mixture of cornstarch and water. This makes it a very exciting science experiment to do with your kids. Since it is easy to make at home, it is a great way to get your child started with learning the concepts of liquids, fluids, and viscosity. In addition, it’s super fun to do! Your kids will have a ball playing with it!
If you’re looking for more science experiments, check out our article here!
Where did the idea of Oobleck come from?
Not only is Oobleck great to play with, but it has a fascinating origin. This slime gets its name from a Dr. Seuss book called Bartholomew and the Oobleck. Before you introduce your child to Oobleck slime, we recommend reading this book together. Not only will your child learn some wholesome lessons, but they’ll be even more excited to play!
This children’s book was published in 1949 but has sold over a million copies, to date. It follows the story of Bartholomew, the page boy of the King of Didd.
Here’s a quick run-down on what happens: The king, unhappy and bored with the usual seasons, orders the Royal Magicians to do something about it. The magicians then make ‘Oobleck,’ a new substance that is unlike anything the kingdom has seen before. The king is initially overjoyed as the magicians release it into the air, and declares the day as a holiday.
However, the worst is yet to come. The Oobleck turns out to be viscous and sticky. It gets stuck everywhere and makes life miserable for everyone. Birds, horses, people—Oobleck spares no one. Even the king gets stuck while trying to run away from the slime. Bartholomew tries to meet the Royal Magicians to save the city but finds that their cave is covered in sticky slime. The king attempts to speak a few magic verses to get the slime to stop, to no avail. In the end, the king repents for his actions and says “I’m sorry,” after which the Oobleck magically goes away.
This story is a great way to teach your children the values of gratitude, forgiveness, humility, and appreciation for nature.
By the time you’re done reading this story, your kids will be dying to recreate Oobleck at home and see what the fuss is about!
The Ultimate Oobleck Recipe
Making Oobleck at home is easy as 1-2-3. We’re not kidding! You only need three things for this science experiment. Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate Oobleck.
- Cornstarch – 1.5-2 cups
- Water – 1 cup
- Food coloring (as needed)
Necessary Preparations for this Oobleck Recipe
If you’ve learned anything from Dr. Seuss’s story about Oobleck, it is that this slime is notoriously hard to get off. This means that you’ll have to slime-proof your workspace before you get started. Lay some newspapers or plastic sheets under your table before you start making this Oobleck recipe. Use a large bowl to mix your ingredients so that the mixture doesn’t spillover. Make sure to use non-staining food dye, and wear an apron if necessary. If you want to go the natural way, you can also use natural food dyes like turmeric for yellow and beetroot for red/pink.
Instructions for Making Oobleck
- Pour the water into a clean bowl.
- Take the cornstarch in a clean, dry bowl and run your fingers through it to break any lumps.
- Add the cornstarch to the bowl gradually.
- As you add the cornstarch, keep stirring it in to avoid lumps.
- Once you’ve added 1.5 parts cornstarch to 1 part water, add some liquid or gel food coloring. Keep in mind that you may need to add more cornstarch if you use liquid food coloring as it may change the consistency of your Oobleck.
- Adding the food coloring is the best part! Your kids will have a lot of fun swirling it around until it has been mixed evenly.
- Mix the mixture with your hand until you get a perfect consistency. To check if your mixture is done, run a finger down the slime. If the Oobleck tears apart but comes back into shape quickly, your slime is ready.
- Another way to test it is to try making a ball with your Oobleck. You should be able to press the mixture into a firm ball, but once you open your palm, the slime should slide right through your fingers. This means that the Oobleck is ready.
- Psst. You can also add non-toxic glitter to your mixture to make some sparkly Oobleck!
How to Play with Oobleck
Oobleck is simply irresistible! We’re sure your children won’t be able to keep their hands off it! Here are a few ways to play with it. They’ll learn a thing or two in the process!
- Leave the Oobleck in a transparent glass beaker for a few hours. You will be able to spot the water separating from the cornstarch. The water will form a clear layer over the sedimented cornstarch.
This is because, when you make this Oobleck recipe, you are creating a suspension. The solid cornstarch particles won’t dissolve in the water but will remain suspended in the liquid. This is why it behaves like a non-Newtonian fluid. To bring the Oobleck back to life, just stir it with a spoon or mix it with your fingers!
- Here’s another cool trick—after you have shown your kids the suspension, ask them to stir it with a spoon. Initially, it will be easy to stir it as the cornstarch is at the bottom and the water is on top. However, once the cornstarch starts mixing with the water, it will become harder and stickier.
This is because the bonds in the suspension get stronger and stronger as you mix them. This is what is responsible for the viscosity of the fluid.
- Oobleck becomes a solid when force is applied. To see this in action, make a ball of the slime and toss it from one palm to the other. You will notice that it gets hard (don’t worry, it won’t hurt) once it hits your palm.
Solid forces are at play here – you can see a similar phenomenon with kinetic sand!
Touching Oobleck is an experience and giggles are guaranteed! After you mix up the recipe, let it run through your fingers, squeeze it, and try to make balls out of it.
- Pour it in a bowl and run your fingers through it, watching how it initially separates but quickly gets its shape back like a liquid!
- Place the Oobleck in a jar and put your fingers in it. Watching it bounce back to shape after resisting the pressure is mesmerizing!
How to Dispose of Oobleck
Once you’re done making this Oobleck recipe and playing with the slimy substance, it is best to throw it away. Next time you want to play with it, you can easily make some more. In fact, we think making it is half the fun!
Since Oobleck is half-solid, half-liquid (and viscous!), washing it down the drain might not be the best idea. It can clog your pipe and cause blocks. So, don’t throw it down your garbage disposal. Instead, throw it in the trash.
To wash Oobleck off your hands or your clothes, just use warm water and mild soap.
Things to Keep in Mind While Playing with Oobleck
- Oobleck is not toxic but it tastes terrible. Young children must be supervised while playing with Oobleck.
- Do not get Oobleck on furniture or carpeting! It is troublesome to remove.
- If you get Oobleck on clothing, wait until it dries and vacuum it off.
- If you want to store your Oobleck, keep it in an airtight container and add some water when you open it the next time.
- Remember that Oobleck, if left open for a long time, will turn into corn starch again as the water evaporates.
Continue the Fun with a Game Night
In case you’re away from your kids, you don’t have to miss out on the fun. Let’s Roam’s virtual game nights will bring the fun right to your screen. With seamless video chatting and new games to choose from every week, you’ll have a great time bonding with your kids, wherever they may be. The science, math, and geography-themed games will have them learning and laughing, all at once. You can customize this event for your children’s birthday party and include personalized trivia. It makes a great party game idea!
PLAY VIRTUAL GAMES
Are you excited to make Oobleck at home for the first time? Let us know how it goes in the comments section!
While you’re here, don’t forget to check out these fun activities and creative things to do at home with your kids!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oobleck?
Oobleck is a type of slime that was inspired by a book called Bartholomew and the Oobleck, by Dr. Seuss. Kids can make it at home using a simple Oobleck recipe.
How can I make Oobleck slime at home?
It’s super easy to make Oobleck at home. All you’ll need is cornstarch, water, and food coloring. Be prepared though—things are going to get a little messy!
What activities would interest my science-loving child?
Let’s Roam’s in-home scavenger hunts are the perfect mix of learning and fun. There’s even a category made just for Science Scavengers!
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