Did you know that you can change matter? Think about what happens when salt is added to an icy road on a cold winter day. It makes the snow and ice melt faster.

How about boiling an egg? Once the egg is cooked it can’t be changed back to its original condition. This is called a chemical change and it can also be seen in spoiled food, burning wood or rusted metal. Also, chemical reactions happen when something is broken apart and new matter takes its place. A great way to think of this is when a candle is lit or a cold pack melts.

Now, try to make Oobleck. This recipe will allow you and your child to create this strange substance, and witness the amazingly weird oscillation between solid and liquid that occurs!

Materials

1 cup cornstarch
1 bowl
1 glass of water
plastic container-like an old, empty yogurt tub
food coloring (optional)
newspaper to cover the table

*This activity can be messy, but loads of fun. Wear old clothes and cover the surface you are working on.

Directions

Put a cup of cornstarch in a bowl.
Slowly stir in small amounts of water until the mixture is thick like syrup. Add a few drops of food coloring, if you choose.
Squeeze the gooey mixture between your fingers. What happens? Can you shape it into a ball? Hold the ball on your flat palm. Watch what happens. What happens when you pour the mixture into another container?

Facts About Oobleck

It is a solid and liquid at the same time.
If you make it into a ball, it loses its shape when you throw it in the air.
It can be placed in a container, but will not take on the shape of the container when removed.
When you leave it in the sun, it loses its color, becomes hard on top and mushy on the bottom.
It does not bounce.
It is not edible!