Making cornstarch chunks or “oobleck” in the freezer is a fun twist on the classic oobleck experiment. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Freezer-safe container or plastic bag
Instructions:
- Prepare the Container:
- Choose a freezer-safe container or a large, sealable plastic bag to hold your oobleck mixture. Make sure it has a tight-fitting lid or seal.
- Mix Cornstarch and Water:
- In the container, mix cornstarch and water. There’s no specific ratio, but a common starting point is about 2 parts cornstarch to 1 part water. You can adjust as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Stir the Mixture:
- Stir the cornstarch and water mixture thoroughly until you have a thick, gooey consistency similar to honey or molasses.
- Transfer to the Freezer Container:
- Pour the oobleck mixture into the freezer-safe container or plastic bag.
- Seal the Container:
- Ensure that the container or plastic bag is tightly sealed to prevent any leaks.
- Freeze the Oobleck:
- Place the container in the freezer and leave it there for several hours or overnight. The oobleck will gradually freeze.
- Remove from Freezer:
- Once the oobleck is frozen, take it out of the freezer. Be prepared for it to be very hard when frozen.
- Play and Experiment:
- You can experiment with your frozen oobleck by tapping it, scratching it, or applying force to it. Notice how it behaves differently when frozen compared to its usual non-Newtonian fluid properties.
- Thaw Slightly (Optional):
- If you want to return the oobleck to its typical non-Newtonian fluid state, allow it to thaw slightly at room temperature. It should regain its gooey, liquid-like consistency.
- Dispose or Store:
- If you want to keep the frozen oobleck for later use, store it in the freezer in its container or plastic bag. When you’re done playing with it, you can dispose of it by allowing it to thaw and then pouring it down the drain with plenty of water.
Frozen oobleck is an interesting sensory experiment that highlights how the properties of non-Newtonian fluids can change with temperature. It’s a fun activity for kids and adults alike.