Oobleck Non-Newtonian Fluid Lab

30 mins Ages 4-6 Indoor

A playful, screen-free adventure designed to spark curiosity, sensory exploration, and fine motor skills for kids aged 4 to 6.

Materials Needed

  • • Cornstarch (2 cups)
  • • Water (1 cup)
  • • Food coloring (2 drops)
  • • Wide mixing bowl or tray (1 unit)

Pro Tips

  • → Encourage your child to punch the surface quickly (feels like a rock), then let their fingers slowly sink (acts like liquid).
  • → Roll a handful quickly between palms to form a solid sphere; stop moving, and watch it liquefy through fingers.
  • → This substance cleans up easily from skin and fabrics with warm water once dried.

Safety First

Do not dispose of oobleck down the sink drain; scrape into the trash to prevent pipe clogs.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Step 1

Measure 2 cups of cornstarch into a wide, shallow plastic container or bowl.

2

Step 2

Add 2 drops of food coloring to 1 cup of room-temperature water.

3

Step 3

Slowly pour the water into the cornstarch while your child mixes with fingers until the resistance stiffens.

4

Step 4

Experiment with striking the surface rapidly, scooping liquid that hardens, and letting it drip into puddles.

What they are learning

Non-Newtonian shear-thickening fluid mechanics States of matter anomalies Sensory viscosity modulation