OddBall Science Lab · Experiment 01

Oobleck: the goo that can’t make up its mind

Is it a liquid? Is it a solid? Make it, poke it, squeeze it—and find out.

Make your own

Experiment 01

Make a batch of Oobleck

A little mixing makes a lot of weirdness. Ask a grown-up to help set up a space that can get messy.

What you’ll need

2 cups cornstarch
About 1 cup water
A bowl and a spoon
A tray or washable surface
Optional: a few drops of food coloring

Start with the 2:1 ratio. Add water a little at a time: brands and humidity can change the feel.

Mix it up

Pour the cornstarch into the bowl.
Add water slowly while stirring. Add food coloring to the water first if you like.
Keep mixing until it flows when you move slowly, but resists when you push quickly.
Too runny? Add cornstarch. Too crumbly? Add a little water.

Try the pressure challenge

Slow… or fast?

Pick an action to see what Oobleck tends to do. The virtual goo is just a preview—the real batch is the fun part!

Choose a move and watch the goo react.

Ready to get weird?

The OddBall challenge

Become a goo detective

Tap it

Give the surface a quick poke. Does your finger bounce or sink?

Go slow

Lower your fingers in gently. How does that feel different?

Make a ball

Roll some between your hands, then stop moving. What happens?

Why does THAT happen?!

Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid. Unlike water, its resistance to flowing changes with the force you apply. A quick push makes the cornstarch particles crowd together and resist movement. Move gently and the mixture can flow around your fingers again.

The slower squeeze lets it ooze; a sudden hit makes it feel firm for a moment.

Stay Curious. Stay Odd.

One experiment down. So many weird questions left.

OddBall Science Lab is just getting started. Come back for more hands-on experiments.

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