Cornstarch science activity is the perfect kitchen science activity that anyone can set up and also is a great science experiment for the sense of touch. Try this science activity you can really feel! This simple cornstarch science activity is perfect for exploring Non-newtonian fluids. Explore your sense of touch with two simple ingredients just about every kitchen has and learn a little bit about non Newtonian fluids along the way. One of our favorite classic science experiments everyone must try!

CORNSTARCH SCIENCE ACTIVITY AND NON NEWTONIAN FLUIDS

This cornstarch science activity is commonly referred to as oobleck! We have been enjoying this simple non Newtonian fluids science activity for a couple of years now. We have some great varieties to che check out including marbled oobleck, colored oobleck, and even an applesauce oobleck that is perfect for fall. This particular non Newtonian fluids activity also has been named oobleck after the Dr. Seuss book, Bartholomew and the Oobleck.

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Simple ingredients for making non Newtonian fluids: cornstarch and water!

In a bowl mix one 2 lb box of cornstarch {found in baking aisle of grocery store} and 2 cups of water.

Mixing by hand is much easier. It is messy and slow going. You may need to add up to an extra 1/2 cup of water, but add in just a little bit of water at a time.

Your mixture should not be soupy or watery. It should be thick but loose at the same time.

You should be able to grab a chunk and watch it flow back into the container. This is a perfect example of non Newtonian fluids.

What are non Newtonian fluids?

Are they a liquid or a solid or a bit of both. Non Newtonian fluids act like both a solid and a liquid. You can pick up non Newtonian fluids like a solid, but then it begins to flow like a liquid. It also will take the shape of whatever container it is put into instead of remaining a solid. Below, he formed it into a ball in his hands.

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Awesome Cornstarch Science Activity!

And then just like a liquid, these non Newtonian fluids flow right back into the container. A liquid spreads out and/or takes the shape of the container it is put into. A solid does not.

However, this non Newtonian fluid does not stay a solid for very long. However, unlike water, non Newtonian fluids have a greater viscosity or thickness. Think like honey and water.

They are both liquids but honey is thicker or more viscous than water. Honey takes longer to flow, but in the end it is still a liquid. Same with our cornstarch non Newtonian fluids activity.

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Though once back into its container, it feels like a solid. If you push on it feel firm to the touch. You have to work really hard to push your finger all the way through. You can also have a great deal of fun burying LEGO men in your non Newtonian fluids.

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Besides, a great science lesson, non Newtonian fluids are also great messy tactile sensory play for kids.

This cornstarch science activity is also a bit like quicksand. Both acting like a liquid and a solid, it seems like quicksand will just suck you in. With greater force and movement you can bury the LEGO man. This is what happens when people or animals get caught in quicksand. Their quick, thrashing movements make it worse. Carefully and slowly work around your LEGO man to pull him out safely.

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