This cornstarch and water activity is a classic science activity that anyone can set up, and it’s also a great non-Newtonian experiment. Make a simple non-Newtonian fluid with 2 ingredients for hands-on science at its best! Get the non-Newtonian fluid recipe below and whip up homemade oobleck in minutes!

What is a non-Newtonian Fluid?

A non-Newtonian fluid is a type of liquid that doesn’t behave like most other liquids. Imagine if you were stirring a bowl of water; it would move around easily no matter how fast or slow you stirred it. But if you were to stir a non-Newtonian fluid, like slime or ketchup, it would act differently!

Non-Newtonian fluids can change how they behave when you put force on them. For example, if you hit them hard, they might feel solid, but if you touch them gently, they feel like a liquid.

One fun example of a non-Newtonian fluid is slime. When you slowly stretch it, it acts like a liquid, but if you quickly pull it apart, it feels more solid. That’s why it’s so fun to play with!

TIP: Check out our favorite super stretchy slime recipe to make!

Another example is ketchup; if you tap the bottom of a ketchup bottle, it doesn’t come out right away because it becomes thicker when pressure is applied, but if you gently squeeze it, it flows out easily.

Cornstarch and water, or oobleck is a classic example of a non-Newtonian fluid. When you touch or squeeze oobleck slowly, it feels like a liquid, and your fingers can sink into it. However, if you try to hit or punch it quickly, it feels solid, and your hand might even bounce off it!

This strange behavior happens because oobleck is what we call a “shear-thickening” non-Newtonian fluid. When gentle pressure is applied, the cornstarch particles slide past each other, allowing the oobleck to flow like a liquid. But when sudden force is applied, the cornstarch particles lock together temporarily, creating a solid-like structure that resists the force.

So, oobleck is an example of a non-Newtonian fluid because its viscosity, or how thick or thin it is, changes based on the force applied to it. It’s a fascinating material to play with and study because it defies our usual expectations of how liquids behave!

Ingredients To Make a non-Newtonian Fluid

You only need simple ingredients for making non-Newtonian fluids: cornstarch and water! We also have a variety of homemade oobleck recipes for every holiday and season!

  • 2lb Box of Cornstarch (more if you need a bigger batch)
  • Water
  • Measuring Cups
  • Bowl
  • Spoon

MESSY TIP: For kids who might want to enjoy oobleck but want their hands cleaned off frequently, I suggest having a bowl of water nearby to dunk their hands in quickly and rinse off. This is a great form of messy sensory play.

Watch the video!

Non-Newtonian Fluid Recipe

Mix one 2 lb box of cornstarch, found in the grocery store baking aisle, and 2 cups of water in a bowl. Alternatively, use a ration of 2:1. Mix one cup of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water.

TIP: 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 a little water at a time.

Cornstarch GoopPin

CONSISTENCY: 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.

Non Newtonian fluids as a liquidPin

Though once back into its container, oobleck feels like a solid. If you push on it, it feels firm to the touch. You have to work hard to push your finger all the way through. You can also have great fun burying LEGO men in your goop recipe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Freeze Oobleck?

After playing with your oobleck at room temperature, pop it into the freezer for a new tactile sensation.

TRY IT: For an excavation activity, you can leave plastic items to freeze in the cornstarch and water mixture. Or you can use a silicone mold and add oobleck to create frozen oobleck shapes to play with later.

Non Newtonian Fluids Quicksand Activity Cornstarch SciencePin

How Do You Clean Up Oobleck?

CLEAN-UP TIP: Although messy, it does wash up easily. You should scoop most of the mixture into the trash instead of washing it down the sink drain.

Wipe up the area with soap and water, and you can easily run the dishes and mixing tools through the dishwasher after scraping all the excess cornstarch and water mixture into the trash.

How Do You Store Oobleck?

You can store oobleck in a covered container but not for more than 24 hours, and I would check it carefully for mold. Additionally, the mixture will separate, but all you need to do is mix it up again. However, you may need to add a bit more water and/or cornstarch to get the desired consistency.

Cornstarch Goop Sensory Play and LegosPin

Is Oobleck Like Quicksand?

This non-Newtonian fluid activity is also a bit like quicksand. Both acting like a liquid and a solid, it seems quicksand will 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.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: LEGO Minifigure Icy Excavation

Non Newtonian Fluids Cornstarch and Water SlimePin

More Fun Oobleck Recipe Ideas

You can make oobleck for any occasion, and kids love making new themes for this oobleck activity.

Free Printable Science Activities Guide

More Fun Science Ideas To Explore

Learn about these science concepts and check out our list of fun experiments that you can do!

Printable Science Projects For Kids

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