To make oobleck with corn flour, simply mix corn flour with water until you achieve a non-Newtonian fluid that's solid when pressure is applied but liquid when left undisturbed.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
What You'll Need:
- Corn flour (also known as cornstarch)
- Water
- A bowl
- A spoon or your hands
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: Pour the corn flour into the bowl.
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Add Water Gradually: Slowly add water to the corn flour, stirring constantly. Start with approximately a 1:1 ratio of corn flour to water, but you may need to adjust it.
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Mix Thoroughly: Continue mixing until you reach the right consistency. The mixture should feel thick and firm when you stir it quickly or apply pressure, but it should also flow and become more liquid when you stop stirring or let it sit.
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Adjust Consistency:
- If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a little more water, a few drops at a time.
- If the mixture is too runny, add a little more corn flour.
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Test the Oobleck: Poke the surface quickly. It should feel solid. Then, slowly sink your hand into the mixture; it should feel like a liquid. Try rolling a ball of oobleck in your hands. It should form a solid ball, but when you stop applying pressure, it will melt back into a liquid.
Tips and Tricks:
- Food Coloring (Optional): Add a few drops of food coloring to the water before mixing it with the corn flour for a more visually appealing oobleck.
- Play Area: Oobleck can be messy, so it's best to play with it in an area that's easy to clean, like a kitchen or outside.
- Clean-Up: Clean-up is easy with water. Avoid pouring large amounts of oobleck down the drain; it can clog pipes. It's best to dispose of it in the trash.
- Experiment: Have fun experimenting with different amounts of corn flour and water to see how it affects the oobleck's properties.
Oobleck is a fascinating non-Newtonian fluid that demonstrates some unique and interesting properties. Enjoy experimenting!
