Oozing Oobleck

We think oobleck will behave like a liquid when it is left undisturbed but will act like a solid when pressure or force is applied.

Background Research: (Materials)

• 1 cup of cornstarch

• ½ cup of water (add more if needed)

• Bowl for mixing

• Spoon or hands for mixing

• Food coloring (optional, for fun!)

• Plastic tray or large surface to test oobleck

• Objects for testing (e.g., a spoon, ball, or finger for poking)

1. Independent Variable:

• The amount of pressure or force applied to the oobleck.

2. Dependent Variable:

• How the oobleck behaves (solid or liquid).

3. Controlled Variables:

• The ratio of cornstarch to water.

• The temperature of room

• The same type of cornstarch and water used in all tests.

1. Prepare the Oobleck:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cornstarch and 1 cup of water.

• Mix thoroughly until the mixture reaches a thick, gooey consistency. Add more water or cornstarch if needed.

2. Let the Oobleck Sit Undisturbed:

• Allow the oobleck to rest in the container without touching it.

• Observe and record how it behaves when left alone.

3. Test by Poking or Tapping:

• Gently poke or tap the surface of the oobleck with your finger or a spoon.

• Gradually increase the force and note how it feels (soft, hard, or resistant).

4. Roll the Oobleck into a Ball:

• Scoop up some oobleck with your hands and try rolling it into a ball.

• Observe how it behaves when squeezed and what happens when you stop rolling it.

5. Drop an Object onto the Oobleck:

• Take a small object (e.g., a marble or spoon) and drop it gently onto the surface. Record what happens.

• Repeat the test by dropping the object with more force and observe the difference.

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6. Slowly Push a Spoon into the Oobleck:

• Slowly insert a spoon into the oobleck and observe whether it sinks in easily.

• Record how it feels as you push.

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7. Quickly Pull the Spoon Out:

• After inserting the spoon, pull it out quickly and note if the oobleck resists or feels solid.

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8. Clean Up:

• Gather the oobleck into a container for disposal. Do not pour it down the drain, as it can clog pipes.

• Wipe down all surfaces and wash your hands thoroughly.

Letting it sit undisturbed | It acted like a liquid

Poking or tapping it | It felt weird and acted like a solid

Rolling into a ball | Hardens when making it but becomes liquid when released

Dropping an object on it | The object bounced a little and then sank in

Slowly pushing a spoon in | The oobleck absorbed it and the oobleck acted like a liquid

Quickly pulling the spoon out | It acted like a solid and we pulled chunks out

Oobleck behaves as both a solid and a liquid depending on the amount of stress applied to it:

• Low stress (slow movements): Acts like a liquid as the cornstarch particles move freely.

High stress (fast movements): Acts like a solid because the particles clump together and resist movement.

The experiment supports the hypothesis: oobleck behaves like a liquid when left undisturbed or moved slowly, but acts like a solid when pressure or force is applied.

This dual behavior demonstrates that oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid, as its properties depend on how much force or stress is applied. The hypothesis was proven correct by the results of the experiment.

There is no application

Incorrect Measurements

• Using inaccurate measurements of cornstarch to water affected the consistency of the oobleck, making it 100% liquid on the third time we experimented.

Incomplete Mixing

• When the cornstarch and water are not thoroughly mixed, the oobleck may behave inconsistently.

We have many citations here with most of them being here:

Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss Bartholomew

the Ooble Oobleck | Imagination Station

Newton’s laws of motion | Definition, Examples, & History | Britannica.