Oobleck is a type of non-Newtonian fluid. It is a mixture of cornstarch and water, created by the author of the Dr. Seuss book Bartholomew and the Oobleck. Oobleck is not a true liquid, but a suspension of tiny particles of starch suspended in water. This makes it a type of colloid, meaning that it behaves as both a solid and a liquid. When you apply pressure to it, it acts like a solid and when you release the pressure, it acts like a liquid.

Oobleck has fascinated scientists and children alike for centuries. Its unique properties make it an ideal candidate for science experiments. It's also a fun way to get kids interested in science. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the science behind Oobleck, as well as some fun experiments you can do with it.

The Science Behind Oobleck

As we mentioned earlier, Oobleck is a type of non-Newtonian fluid. Non-Newtonian fluids are those that don't obey the laws of Newtonian physics. This means that their viscosity, or thickness, changes depending on the amount of force applied to it. When you apply pressure to Oobleck, it acts like a solid, but when you release the pressure, it acts like a liquid.

The reason for this is because the cornstarch particles in the Oobleck are suspended in the water. When pressure is applied, the particles are pushed together and form a solid-like structure. When the pressure is released, the particles are able to move freely again, and the Oobleck acts like a liquid. This is the same principle that makes Silly Putty act like a solid and a liquid.

Fun Experiments With Oobleck

Now that you know a bit about the science behind Oobleck, let's look at some fun experiments you can do with it. Here are a few examples:

The Oobleck Walk

This experiment is a great way to show children how pressure affects Oobleck. To do this experiment, you'll need a shallow dish or container filled with Oobleck. Have your child place one foot on the Oobleck and apply pressure. If done correctly, the Oobleck should act like a solid and your child should be able to walk on it. When your child takes their foot off the Oobleck, it should act like a liquid again.

The Oobleck Volcano

This experiment is a great way to teach children about chemical reactions. To do this experiment, you'll need a shallow dish or container filled with Oobleck, baking soda, and a few drops of food coloring. When you add vinegar to the mixture, the baking soda and vinegar will react and the Oobleck will bubble and fizz. This is a great way to show children the power of chemical reactions.

The Oobleck Race

This experiment is a great way to show children the power of pressure. To do this experiment, you'll need two shallow dishes or containers filled with Oobleck. Place a toy car or other vehicle in each dish and have your child race them. The car in the dish with the most pressure will move the fastest because the Oobleck will act like a solid and give the car traction.

Conclusion

Oobleck is a great tool for teaching children about science and how different forces can affect matter. Its unique properties make it an ideal candidate for science experiments. It can also be a lot of fun for kids to play with. From the Oobleck Walk to the Oobleck Volcano, there are plenty of experiments you can do with Oobleck. So why not give it a try and see what kind of fun you can have with it?