Cornstarch chunks, often referred to as “oobleck,” are a fun and fascinating non-Newtonian fluid that behaves both like a liquid and a solid, depending on how you interact with it. Here’s how to make cornstarch chunks or oobleck:
Ingredients:
- Cornstarch
- Water
Instructions:
- Gather Your Materials:
- You’ll need a bowl or container for mixing and some cornstarch and water.
- Mix Cornstarch and Water:
- Start by adding cornstarch to your mixing bowl. There’s no precise measurement, but you can start with about two parts cornstarch to one part water.
- Slowly add water to the cornstarch while stirring continuously. The mixture should have a thick, gooey consistency, similar to honey or molasses.
- Continue adding water and mixing until you reach your desired consistency. You can always adjust by adding more cornstarch or water as needed.
- Test the Oobleck:
- Once you’ve mixed the cornstarch and water, you can start playing with it to see its unique properties. When you press or squeeze it gently, it behaves like a liquid, flowing and oozing. But when you apply force, such as hitting it or rolling it into a ball, it temporarily hardens and forms chunks.
- Experiment:
- Have fun experimenting with the oobleck. Try rolling it into a ball and then letting it flow through your fingers. You can also try punching or tapping it to see how it briefly hardens on impact.
- Store or Dispose:
- You can keep your cornstarch chunks in a sealed container or plastic bag for a short period, but oobleck is best made fresh as it can lose its unique properties over time.
- When you’re done playing with it, you can dispose of oobleck by allowing it to dry out or washing it down the drain with plenty of water.
Keep in mind that oobleck can get messy, so it’s a good idea to play with it on a surface that’s easy to clean or outdoors where spills won’t be a problem. It’s also a fun science experiment for kids and a great way to learn about the properties of non-Newtonian fluids.