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    Home » Early Years Science » Preschool Science » How to make oobleck

    How to make oobleck

    May 4, 2018 By Emma Vanstone 18 Comments

    Making oobleck, also known as cornflour gloop or slime, was one of the first science activities I wrote about on Science Sparks. I’ve given this very old post about how to make oobleck a bit of an update and refresh, so I hope you like it!

    What is oobleck?

    Gloop or oobleck is just cornflour and water. It’s very easy to make and creates a lovely gooey slime which feels solid when you scrunch it up and liquid if you let it flow through your fingers.

    two children playing with bowls of oobleck
    Oobleck

    Oobleck Recipe

    • Cornflour
    • Water
    • Food colouring – optional
    • Ice cube trays – optional
    • Mixing bowl
    • Colander, funnel and beakers – optional, but great for messy fun!
    Two girls playing with pink coloured oobleck

    Instructions for making cornflour gloop

    • Fill a cup with cornflour and pour it into a bowl
    • Add water slowly mixing with your hands, until you get a sticky, slimy gloop.
    • If you want to make it coloured add some food colouring ( be careful this can stain skin and clothes).
    • Play with the slime and see how it behaves. Can you make it into a ball? What happens if you throw it onto the floor?

    The science of oobleck

    Did you notice that if you make a ball with oobleck or gloop it feels solid, but if you drop the oobleck on the floor it turns liquid again? This mixture is a Non – Newtonian fluid as it doesn’t flow like liquids normally do.

    Cornflour gloop ( oobleck )  is made up of molecules arranged in long chains. When the chains are stretched the liquid will flow, but when you force them together they stick together to form a solid.

    Child pouring cornflour gloop through a colander with superhero figures
    instruction for making oobleck - an easy oobleck recipe
    Oobleck recipe

    Cornflour Slime Play Ideas

    Pretend you’ve run out of superhero slime, can you make some more? – this activity can also be found in Science Sparks the book, along with extension ideas and links to maths and English.

    Try squeezing the cornflour gloop into a ball, it should feel solid. Open your hand and watch as the cornflour slime runs through your fingers.

    Can you freeze the gloop? Our frozen Kool Aid oobleck smelled wonderful.

    Try pouring the slime through a colander, what happens? Can you use the slime to trap a small figure or pretend spider?

    The always amazing Babble Dabble Do has even more fun activity ideas for you, so don’t forget to check out her blog.

    Housing a Forest makes oobleck dance!

    Can you squeeze the slime into a ball? What does it feel like? How long does the ball stay solid after you let go?

    If you used less water do you think the slime would fall faster or more slowly through the colander?

    Oobleck Challenge

    Can you make a giant oobleck tray and walk on oobleck?

    Giant oobleck tray - cool science for kids
    Giant tray of oobleck

    I’ve got a printable instruction sheet available for this too. Head over to the experiment instructions page to find it.

    If you liked this activity you might like our other messy play ideas too!

    This activity is also part of my playful science series full of simple playful science activities for kids.

    Image shows oobleck passing through a sieve as part of a superhero sensory activity for kids
    Superhero Slime

    Last Updated on January 13, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

    « STEM Challenge – Build a Bridge
    Why don’t you use egg yolk in meringue? »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ross Mannell

      August 15, 2011 at 7:15 am

      I always loved this activity. A favourite was rolling a ball in the hands then handing it to a child and watching it collapse. I would then ask what they thought had happened. Their responses could be very creative.

      Reply
    2. mummyontheedge

      August 15, 2011 at 9:11 am

      Ooo, going to have a go at this one !

      Reply
    3. Aimee

      August 21, 2011 at 4:31 pm

      Yup I think it is The Sunday Showcase you are looking for! http://www.classifiedmom.com/2011/08/link-up-you-child-centered-activities.html Link up 😉

      Reply
    4. Being Mum and Dad

      August 21, 2011 at 8:50 pm

      you learn something every day – something to pay around with when mu daughter is older. Please keep your blog going so I can refer back to it.

      Reply
    5. Being Mum and Dad

      August 21, 2011 at 8:51 pm

      you learn something every day – something to pay around with when my daughter is older. Please keep your blog going so I can refer back to it.

      Reply
    6. analisa

      August 22, 2011 at 12:00 am

      great for a homeschool science activity – please follow back at http://biguniversesmallworld.blogspot.com

      Reply
    7. Lisa Hagg

      August 25, 2011 at 7:24 pm

      This is a big hit with my two girls (Emily 4 & Phoebe 2) and features in our Little Explorer classes for toddlers/preschoolers too and it is an activity that is always approached with curiosity, awe and amazement! Loving the picture too, this is a good activity around Halloween time especially if using green colouring. To avoid staining, particularly for younger children, we use waterbased paint to colour the ‘goo’. Thanks Lisa

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        August 25, 2011 at 8:50 pm

        Water based paints are a brilliant idea. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. x

        Reply
    8. Aimee

      August 26, 2011 at 4:28 am

      My kids love to make this stuff! Great post- Thank you for linking up to The Sunday Showcase. Glad you could make it.

      Reply

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