Seussian Oblek Slime

This gooey experiment explores non-Newtonian liquids with a slimy substance inspired by the green “Oobleck” in Dr. Seuss’s book, Bartholomew and the Oobleck. 

Supplies

Per batch of Oobleck:

• 1.5 cups of corn starch 
• 1 cup of water 
• Green food colouring 
• Large Ziploc bag 
• Big mixing bowl 
• Metal spoon 

What science concept is this activity teaching?

Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid that gets its name from the Dr. Seuss book, Bartholemew and the Oobleck. 

Non-Newtonian means it acts like a liquid when being poured, but like a solid when a force is acting on it. You can grab it like a solid and then it will ooze out of your hands like a liquid.  

Applying pressure to the mixture increases its viscosity (thickness). A quick tap on the surface of Oobleck will make it feel hard, because it forces the cornstarch particles together. But dip your hand slowly into the mix and see what happens — your fingers slide in as easily as through water. Moving slowly gives the cornstarch particles time to move out of the way.