How To Make Oobleck

One of my favorite Dr. Seuss Activities for Kids is to make Oobleck!  This hands-on book activity is inspired by the book Bartholomew and the Oobleck. 

Oobleck is a classic science experiment that is perfect for children of all ages. It’s easy to make and even more fun to play with!

Plus, it teaches kids about the properties of matter in a fun and interactive way.

 

In the book, Oobleck is a sticky green glob that falls from the sky and causes a mess in the kingdom.  

This sensory activity won’t cause any problems like in the book but hours of fun and entertainment for kids.  

Making Oobleck is a simple science experiment that you can do with your entire class or your kids at home.

It’s also a fun sensory activity that will stimulate your children’s senses of touch and sight.

This type of play is important because it lets your kids learn to explore, investigate, observe, experiment, and much more.

Getting Ready To Make Oobleck:

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What’s Included:

• Oobleck Observations Recording Sheets

What’s Needed:

• Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss
• 2 Cups of Corn Starch
• 1 Cup of Water
• 10 Drops of Food Coloring
• Plastic Bowl or Container
• Measuring Cup
• Mixing Spoon

Not only is this science experiment easy for kids to do, but it’s also inexpensive so you can make it with your class or homeschool co-op.

How To Make Oobleck:

Before creating their own Oobleck, your kids can use the observation recording sheet to make predictions about what the mixture will look like and how it will feel.

To begin making this sensory activity, your kids will combine the corn starch and water in a bowl or container.

The mixture will be thick and hard to stir so they may want to mix the ingredients by hand.  

Next, your kids will add the food coloring and mix it with a spoon.  They can continue to work the dye into the mixture with their hands, but you may want them to wear rubber gloves to prevent the dye from getting on their hands.

We used green food coloring to look like the Oobleck in the Dr. Seuss book, but you can pick any color.  

After playing with the Oobleck, your kids can refer back to their predictions and describe what it looks like and how it feels on their observation recording sheet. 

To store the Oobleck, place it into an airtight container or a resealable bag.

When your kids play with it again, you may need to add a little water and combine with your hands.

To dispose of the mixture, throw it away. You can put it into a plastic container so it doesn’t leak out of the garbage bag. You don’t want to put the Oobleck in your sink because it might clog your drain. 

What Are Different Ways To Play With Oobleck?

After your kids squeeze, squish, and let the Oobleck ooze through their fingers, have them explore and experiment with these ideas:

• Add plastic letters to the Oobleck and then try to find the letters in your name or spell a sight word. 
• Place the mixture in a resealable bag and practice writing letters, numbers, shapes, or your name. 
• Make two batches of Oobleck that are different colors and then observe what happens when you mix them together. 

The Science Behind The Experiment: 

Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid.  It acts like a liquid when it is being poured, but it acts more like a solid when it comes in contact with a force. 

You can grab Oobleck with your hand like it is a solid, but it will ooze out like it is a liquid.  

Your kids will love bringing the book, Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss to life by making their very own Oobleck at home or in the classroom.  

You May Also Like This Author Study:

Are you looking for some fun activities to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday? This Dr. Seuss Author Study has a variety of resources!

Your students can use these activities throughout reading month to learn about the author including a craft, writing activity, and character book report. Click on the picture to learn more! 

More Dr. Seuss Activities:

Are you looking for more activities for your kids to do after reading books by Dr. Seuss? Try these engaging and entertaining resources! 

Download The Oobleck Observations Recording Sheet:

Your little scientists can make predictions and record their results on this free printable recording sheet. Click on the button below and fill out the form to download and print it! 

 

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