May 2, 2011

It's a Solid... It's a Liquid... It's Oobleck!

Bring Science Home: Activity 1

By Katherine Harmon

science experiments with corn flour and water

Getty Images

Key concepts Liquids and solids Viscosity Pressure From National Science Education Standards : Properties of objects and materials

Introduction Why is it so hard to get out of quicksand? Is it a solid? Is it a liquid? Can it be both? In this activity, you will make a substance that is similar to quicksand—but much more fun. Play around with it and find out how it acts differently from a normal liquid and a normal solid. Other, more familiar substances change states (from solids to liquids to gases) when we change the temperature, such as freezing water into ice or boiling it away into steam. But this simple mixture shows how changes in pressure, instead of temperature, can change the properties of some materials. Background Applying pressure to the mixture increases its viscosity (thickness). A quick tap on the surface of Oobleck will make it feel hard, because it forces the cornstarch particles together. But dip your hand slowly into the mix, and see what happens—your fingers slide in as easily as through water. Moving slowly gives the cornstarch particles time to move out of the way. Oobleck and other pressure-dependent substances (such as Silly Putty and quicksand) are not liquids such as water or oil. They are known as non-Newtonian fluids. This substance's funny name comes from a Dr. Seuss book called Bartholomew and the Oobleck .

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing . By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

Materials •    1 cup of water •    1 to 2 cups of cornstarch •    Mixing bowl •    Food coloring (optional) Preparation •    Pour one cup of cornstarch into the mixing bowl, and dip your hands into it. Can you feel how smooth the powder is? It's made up of super-fine particles. •    Now pour the water in, mixing slowly as you go. Keep adding more water until the mixture becomes thick (and hardens when you tap on it). Add more cornstarch if it gets too runny, and more water if it becomes too thick. •    Add a few drops of food coloring if desired. (If you want to turn your Oobleck another hue, it’s easier to add the coloring to the water before you mix it with the cornstarch.) •    Oobleck is non-toxic, but please use caution when doing any science activity. Be careful not to get it in your eyes, and wash your hands after handling the Oobleck. Procedure •    Roll up your sleeves and prepare to get messy! Drop your hands quickly into the Oobleck, then slowly lower your hands into it. Notice the difference! •    Hold a handful in your open palm— what happens? •    Try squeezing it in your fist or rolling it between your hands— how does it behave differently? •    Move your fingers through the mixture slowly, then try moving them faster. •    What else can you do to test the mixture's properties? •    Extra: If you have a large plastic bin or tub, you can make a big batch of Oobleck. Multiply the quantity of each ingredient by 10 or more and mix it up. Take off your shoes and socks and try standing in the Oobleck! Can you walk across it without sinking in? Let you feet sink down and then try wiggling your toes. What happens?

Read on for observations, results and more resources.

Observations and results What is happening when you squeeze the Oobleck? What is happening when you release the pressure? Does the Oobleck remind you of anything else? The Oobleck mixture isn't your typical liquid—or solid. The cornstarch-and-water mixture creates a fluid that acts more like quicksand than water: applying force (squeezing or tapping it) causes it to become thicker. If you were trapped in a tub of Oobleck, what would be the best way to escape? Share your Oobleck observations and results! Leave a comment below or share your photos and feedback on Scientific American 's Facebook page . Cleanup Wash hands with water. Add plenty of extra water to the mixture before pouring it down the drain. Wipe up any dried cornstarch with a dry cloth before cleaning up any remaining residue with a damp sponge. More to explore " What is Jell-O? " from Scientific American " Ask the Experts: What Is Quicksand? " from Scientific American " States of Matter " overview from Idaho Public Television's Dialogue for Kids Slime and Goo activities from the American Chemical Society's Science for Kids Oobleck, Slime & Dancing Spaghetti: Twenty terrific at-home science experiments inspired by favorite children's books by Jennifer Williams, ages 4–8 The Everything Kids' Easy Science Experiments Book: Explore the world of science through quick and easy experiments! By J. Elizabeth Mills, ages 9–12 Up next… The Magic of Gravity What you'll need •    Coin •    Bottle, jar or canister with a small top opening (larger—but not too much bigger—than the coin) •    3- by-5-inch note card or other sturdy piece of paper •    Scissors •    Tape •    Pen or pencil •    Water (optional)

Science Bob

  • Experiments
  • Science Fair Ideas
  • Science Q&A
  • Research Help
  • Experiment Blog

more in Experiment Blog

Oobleck – the cornstarch and water experiment.

This may just be the easiest, messiest, and most fun science activity I know. It is a classic, and I have gotten several requests recently to post directions. You should know that if you try this activity and  you are not smiling and messy with corn starch goo at the end, then you are definitely doing something wrong. Also keep in mind that this is not just about fun, there is some pretty amazing science going on here.

You will need:

  • Cornstarch (a 16 oz. box is good for every 2-3 participants – but more is always better)
  • Food coloring (we always say it’s optional, but it does make it more fun – don’t use too much or you could end up with colored hands…and clothes…and curtains)
  • A large bowl
  • A camera – you’re probably going to want to take pictures.

Everyone should roll up their sleeves and prepare for some gooey fun.

science experiments with corn flour and water

  • This is easy. Pour the cornstarch into the bowl. Don’t rush to add water – take time to feel the cornstarch. Cornstarch does not feel like any other powder. It has a texture that can be compared to that of whipped cream. The grains of cornstarch are so small that they will fill into grooves of your fingerprints and make the prints stand out.
  • After you’ve taken-in the feel of the powder, it is time to add water. (You should add the food coloring to your water before adding it to the powder.) There are no exact formulas regarding how much water to add, but it will end up being about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water per cup (235 ml) of cornstarch. The secret is to add the water slowly and mix as you add it. Don’t be shy here – dig in with your hands and really mix it up. This is usually when you notice that this is not your average liquid. Add enough water so that the mixture slowly flows on its own when mixed. The best test is to reach in and grab a handful of the mixture and see if you can roll it into a ball between your hands – if you stop rolling it and it “melts” between your fingers – success!

We’ll get the the science soon, for now just dig in and explore. Notice that the goo does not splash (or even move) if you hit it quickly. Squeeze it hard and see what happens. How long can you get the strands of goo to drip? What happens if you let the goo sit on the table for a minute and then try to pick it up? How does it feel? Hows does it move? Try bouncing a ball on the surface of the cornstarch. You get the idea – explore!

30 minutes later…

So now goo is everywhere and you’re thinking you should probably start cleaning. Actual clean up of the goo is a snap. A bucket of warm water will quickly get it off your hands. It will brush off of clothes when it dries, and it is easily cleaned off surfaces with a wet rag.

Important : Make sure you do not dump the goo down the drain – it can get caught in the drain trap and take the joy out of your day of science. Dump it in the trash, or even mix it into soil in the garden.

science experiments with corn flour and water

Now for the science… Our cornstarch goo (sometimes referred to as “oobleck” from the Dr. Suess book) is what scientists call a “Non-Newtonian” liquid. Basically, Sir Issac Newton stated individual liquids flow at consistent, predictable rates. As you likely discovered, cornstarch goo does NOT follow those rules – it can act almost like a solid, and them flow like a liquid. Technically speaking, the goo is a SUSPENSION, meaning that the grains of starch are not dissolved, they are just suspended and spread out in the water. If you let the goo sit for an while, the cornstarch would settle to the bottom of the bowl.

So why does this concoction act the way it does? Most of it has to do with pressure. The size, shape, and makeup of the cornstarch grains causes the cornstarch to “lock-up” and hold its shape when pressure is applied to it. People have filled small pools with oobleck and they are able to walk across the surface of it (as long as they move quickly.) As soon as they stop walking, they begin to sink.

I hope you get to try this out. Let us know how your day with non-newtonian liquids went.  Have fun exploring!

download_PDF

Science Experiments, Experiment Videos, and Science Fair Ideas from Science Bob

Ads (these ads support our free website), share this page.

Save Your Favorite Ideas

The Best Ideas for Kids logo

How to Make Oobleck

Kim

Oobleck is cornstarch and water that when mixed together can act like a solid and a liquid. We’ll show you how to make oobleck . This recipe is simple and fun to do. It’s a lot easier than making slime and kids love playing with it!

RELATED : Fluffy Slime

How to Make Oobleck

Oobleck is a mixture of cornstarch and water. Two ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen cupboards! You can also add some food coloring to it. We made ours green to turn it into a pretend Witch’s brew for Halloween. You can leave it without color or make any color you like.

This simple recipe is easy to do and kids will love touching and playing with it! If you want to make slime too, you can find all of our slime recipes here .

Oobleck Recipe

What Is Oobleck?

Oobleck isn’t a liquid or a solid, it’s a non-Newtonian fluid. At times, it may seem like a solid or a liquid but it acts differently than a normal solid or liquid. Making oobleck is a great science experiment to show how changes in pressure  can change the properties of some materials. Sort of like how temperature changes the properties of water. Cold or freezing temperatures turns water into ice. Whereas warm temperatures melts ice and turns it into a liquid.

Here’s how to see the difference you can make by applying pressure to your oobleck : Apply quick pressure with a spoon and this will increase the oobleck’s viscosity by forcing the cornstarch particles together. It will feel hard and you can even form the oobleck into a ball if you try with your hands. Release your pressure or slowly dip your spoon into the mixture and it will act like it’s more like water. By moving slowly, the cornstarch particles have time to move out of the way.

If you want to pair this activity with a book, you can read the Dr Seuss book, Bartholomew and the Oobleck .

Oobleck Ingredients

Oobleck Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this oobleck recipe:

  • 2 cups cornstarch
  • 1 cup water
  • Food coloring (optional)

Note: Cornstarch may also be referred to as cornflour. Make sure you are using the white cornflour.

How Long Does Oobleck Last?

Oobleck will last a day. After that it starts to go bad.

To dispose of the oobleck, we like to let it dry out overnight. The next day, you can take a spoon and smash it up into little pieces that can be placed in your green bin. If you want to wash it out, make sure to mix it with a lot of hot water.

Watch the Video Tutorial!

How to make oobleck: step-by-step instructions.

Here are the step-by-step instructions for how to make oobleck: 

1. Mix 2 cups of cornstarch to 1 cup of water into a bowl.

Mix the cornstarch and water until your oobleck is formed.

Tip: If you would like to color your oobleck, add your food coloring to your water and then mix with the cornstarch.

Mix cornstarch and water

Halloween Activity Suggestion : If you want to turn this into a Witch’s brew oobleck, repeat this recipe until your cauldron is full. This 14 inch cauldron is perfect for this activity.

2. If you find the mixture is a little too watery and not forming into a solid when you pull the oobleck out of your bowl then add more cornstarch.

If you find the mixture is not dripping like a liquid, add a little more water. Just keep experimenting until you get the consistency shown in the video above.

Activity Suggestions: 

  • Take a potato masher or spoon and hit the top of the oobleck quickly. You’ll notice the spoon or utensil will bounce off, giving the appearance that the oobleck is a solid. As mentioned above, this is because the pressure forces the cornstarch particles together increasing the oobleck’s viscosity. Then move slowly into the oobleck with your spoon and this will allow the particles time to move out of the way which will let you dip it into the oobleck.

Oobleck Experiment

  • Pick up the oobleck with your hands and form a ball. Then let go of the ball and watch it melt into your hands like magic!

Cornstarch and Water

  • Make a Halloween version ! Add some small spiders and eyes and about 10 batches of oobleck (will vary depending on your size) into a cauldron. Make it green or purple to look like a Witch’s brew!

Halloween Oobleck

Kids will love dipping their hands into the witch’s brew to find Halloween treasure while they learn about the science too!

Halloween Oobleck Activity

We know you’ll love making this easy science experiment with your kids! This is perfect for a Halloween party or even just a rainy day activity. Be sure to see all of our slime recipes you can make to explore the science behind slime as well!

More Science for Kids

For more fun science for kids – we have lots of slime recipes. Learn how to make slime with contact solution .

How to Make Slime Contact Solution Recipe

Fluffy slime is really fun to make! It has a different texture than regular slime and is really fun to play with.

Fluffy Slime

More Science Activities for Kids

science experiments with corn flour and water

Grow a Rainbow Experiment

Baking Soda Volcano

Baking Soda Volcano

science experiments with corn flour and water

Ice Cream in a Bag

magic milk cover

Related Ideas:

Fluffy Slime

Fluffy Slime Recipe

contact lens solution slime

How to Make Slime With Contact Solution

science experiments with corn flour and water

Oil and Water Experiment

Share a comment.

We LOVE hearing from you! Submit your question or comment here.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cancel Reply

14 comments on “how to make oobleck”.

If I don’t have cornstarch then can I still make it?

Unfortunately no you can only do it with cornstarch (sometimes called cornflour).

is this good for a 5th grade science project?

For 5th grade you may want to incorporate some other tests, like what happens when you change the ratio of cornstarch to water? Can you walk on the oobleck if you made a large enough tub of it? This is actually possible.

About how much does this recipe make? Enough for 2 kids to share some?

Yes it would be more than enough for 2 kids.

I want to make this but I don’t have corn-starch. is there anything at all that I could use instead.

Unfortunately you need corn starch for it to work.

Does cornflour work the same?

Yes cornflour is another name for cornstarch. 🙂

Can you use flour instead of cornstarch?

No it needs to be cornstarch to work.

I can’t wait to try this with my kiddos! Quick question, water temperature wasn’t mentioned… Should water be cold or warm?

It doesn’t matter but a little on the warmer side will be easier to touch and not so cold on the hands. 🙂

The Best Ideas for Kids logo

Sign up for my FREE newsletter and get new ideas to your inbox!

science experiments with corn flour and water

  • TEACHING RESOURCES
  • STEM AMBASSADORS
  • APPRENTICESHIP PORTAL

science experiments with corn flour and water

Cornflour slime - liquid or solid?

science experiments with corn flour and water

What you need

  • cornflour, as much as you can
  • Put most of the cornflour in the bowl.
  • Slowly add water to the cornflour until it starts to behave ‘strangely’ – you’ll need about twice as much cornflour than water so be careful not to add too much!
  • Move your hand throw the mixture, first slowly then quickly.
  • Try to punch the mixture! Have some fun and play around with it.

What you may notice

When you move your fingers slowly through the mixture, it acts like a liquid. When you punch it or squeeze it, it behaves like a solid!

The science behind it all The cornflour-water mixture is an example of a non-Newtonian fluid. Newtonian fluids, such as water, maintain a constant viscosity (the measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow) unless the temperature or pressure changes. Non-Newtonian fluids are affected by other forces. In the case of the cornflour-water solution, when you apply force, it behaves like a solid.

There is lots of science going on in this simple experiment. Cornflour is made up of lots of tiny starch particles and when it is mixed with water, the starch particles become suspended in liquid as the water moves in between them. The water acts as a lubricant so when you move the mixture slowly, the particles have time to move past each other and the mixture acts like a liquid. When you apply rapid force to the mixture, the starch particles move slightly and lock together. All the water that filled the cracks between the particles moves into little gaps. Instead of having lots of lubricated individual particles, the particles form into a solid structure which cannot flow and the mixture acts like a solid.

Beyond the science The cornflour-water mixture is an example of a non-Newtonian fluid. Newtonian fluids, such as water, maintain a constant viscosity (the measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow) unless the temperature or pressure changes. Non-Newtonian fluids are affected by other forces. In the case of the cornflour-water solution, when you apply force, it behaves like a solid.

Non-Newtonian fluids are categorised depending on how they flow and while the type of flow in the cornstarch-water solution isn’t common in the food industry, there are many substances that exhibit non-Newtonian fluid behaviour such as ketchup, mayonnaise or yoghurt.

Get Your ALL ACCESS Shop Pass here →

Little bins for little hands logo

How To Make Oobleck

Are you wondering how to make oobleck? Oobleck is a classic science experiment that perfectly demonstrates a non-Newtonian fluid! Is it a liquid or a solid?

science experiments with corn flour and water

How to Make Oobleck: Easy Oobleck Recipe

Oobleck recipe video:, oobleck ingredients:.

  • 2 cups cornstarch or corn flour
  • 1 cup water
  • Food Coloring (optional)
  • Small Plastic Figurines or Items (optional)
  • Baking Dish, Spoon

Instructions:

STEP 1: Add the cornstarch to your bowl or baking dish. Mix two parts cornstarch with one part water.

Note: Mixing the oobleck in a bowl and then transferring it to a baking dish or tray may be easier.

STEP 2:  Add the water to the cornstarch. If you want to give your oobleck a color such as green, add food coloring to your water first. If you want to add swirls of food coloring after you mix the oobleck, you can also do that.

NOTE: Remember that you have a lot of white cornstarch, so you will need a good amount of food coloring if you want a more vibrant color.

adding green water to cornstarch

STEP 3:  MIx! You can stir your oobleck with a spoon, but I guarantee you will need to get your hands in there at some point during the mixing process.

STORING OOBLECK: You can store your oobleck in an airtight container, but I would not use it for longer than a day or two and check for mold before using it. If it has dried out some, add a very tiny amount of water to rehydrate it, but just a very tiny bit. A little goes a long way!

DISPOSING OF OOBLECK : When you’re done enjoying your oobleck, the best option is to scrape most of the mixture into the trash. The thick substance may be too much for your sink drain to handle!

Using a spoon to mix cornstarch and water

Is Oobleck a Solid or a Liquid?

Oobleck is a fantastic, fun, simple, and quick science lesson for kids of all ages. Even your youngest scientist will be amazed by it. What state of matter is oobleck? Here we combine a liquid and a solid, but the mixture doesn’t become one or the other.

A solid has its shape, whereas a liquid will take the shape of the container. Oobleck is a bit of both! Learn more about states of matter here.

A non-Newtonian fluid , like oobleck, behaves neither like a liquid nor a solid but shares both properties. Its viscosity, or thickness, changes when force is applied or removed. You can pick up a clump of the substance like a solid, but it will ooze back into the bowl like a liquid. It feels firm and solid to the touch, but applying more pressure causes your fingers to sink into it like a liquid.

Also, check out our Electroactive Oobleck … It’s electric!

Is Oobleck a solid?

A solid does not need a container to keep its shape like a rock.

Oobleck being shown as a solid

Or is Oobleck a liquid?

A liquid takes the shape of any container or flows freely if not put in a container.

Oobleck being shown as a liquid

Oobleck Recipe Variations

Grab this free jr. scientist challenge calendar with clickable links.

For complete instructions to 100+ science experiments for kids, click [here] .

science experiments with corn flour and water

More Ways To Experiment With Oobleck

This oobleck experiment helps kids develop scientific inquiry skills and understand the basic principles of materials and their properties by introducing variables and encouraging them to make comparisons and predictions.

Start by making a standard batch of oobleck using a specific ratio of cornstarch to water. This will be the “control” oobleck for the experiment.

Variable 1: Changing Ratios

Prepare additional batches of oobleck with different ratios of cornstarch to water. For example, make one with more cornstarch and less water and another with more and less.

Encourage kids to observe and compare the properties of each batch. Does changing the ratio affect the oobleck’s behavior? Is it more liquid-like or solid-like?

Variable 2: Adding Objects

Place different objects in the oobleck (e.g., small toys, plastic shapes, coins). Observe how the oobleck interacts with these objects.

Ask kids to predict whether certain objects will sink or float in the oobleck. Record their predictions and compare them to the actual outcomes.

Variable 3: Temperature Experiment

Prepare two batches of oobleck, one using cold water and another using warm water. Discuss the impact of temperature on the oobleck’s properties.

Observe if there are differences in how the oobleck behaves at different temperatures. Does it change its consistency or flow differently?

💡 EXTRA: Try freezing oobleck!

Variable 4: Time Experiment

Set up a timed experiment to observe changes in the oobleck over time. After applying pressure, measure how long it takes for the oobleck to revert from a solid to a liquid state.

Discuss the viscosity concept and how it relates to the time it takes for the oobleck to return to a liquid state.

Record Observations: Have kids record their observations, predictions, and conclusions in a simple scientific journal. Please encourage them to use drawings, words, and measurements.

Discussion: Conclude the experiment by discussing the results. Ask questions about what they observed and if their predictions were accurate. Discuss the scientific concepts behind the changes in Oobleck’s properties.

Simple Science Experiments For Kids

If your preschooler through middle schooler is looking for simpler science activities like oobleck, this home science experiment list is a great place to start!

science experiments with corn flour and water

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

  • 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
  • Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
  • Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
  • Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
  • My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
  • Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
  • Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

science experiments with corn flour and water

  • Pingback: Dr Seuss Activities: Preschool Science And Beyond | Ai Nime
  • Pingback: Easy Science Experiments for Kids – News & Reviews on Child Development
  • Pingback: 101 Frugal and Fun Things to Do With Kids at Home - Busy Mom Smart Mom

Love this amazing oobleck recipe. Look so delicious and yummy. Thank you for sharing it.

Comments are closed.

science experiments with corn flour and water

Subscribe to receive a free 5-Day STEM Challenge Guide

~ projects to try now ~.

science experiments with corn flour and water

-->
Gilla: Dela:

science experiments with corn flour and water

  • 1 package of corn stach, about 400 g (14 oz)
  • 1 large bowl

science experiments with corn flour and water

Short explanation

Long explanation.

  • What happens if you hit the oobleck?
  • What happens if you squeeze the oobleck hard and then release it?
  • What happens if you slowly lower your hand into the oobleck and then quickly try to pull it back?
  • What happens if you try to bounce a ball on the surface?
  • What happens if you pour the mixture and then cut the resulting "string" with a pair of scissors?
  • What happens if you try to swing the bowl back and forth?
  • What happens if you leave a glass of oobleck for a long time?
  • What happens if you change the amount of water in the mix?
  • What happens if you use some other liquid instead of water, such as milk or soda?
  • What happens if you use some other powder, such as potato starch or wheat flour?

science experiments with corn flour and water

Gilla: Dela:

science experiments with corn flour and water

Disappearing styrofoam

science experiments with corn flour and water

Rainbow milk

science experiments with corn flour and water

Homemade yogurt

science experiments with corn flour and water

Screaming dry ice

science experiments with corn flour and water

Dry ice in a balloon

science experiments with corn flour and water

Special: Dry ice color change

science experiments with corn flour and water

Dry ice smoking soap bubble snake

science experiments with corn flour and water

Dry ice giant crystal ball bubble

science experiments with corn flour and water

Dry ice in water

science experiments with corn flour and water

Gummy bear osmosis

science experiments with corn flour and water

Floating ping pong ball

science experiments with corn flour and water

Rotating Earth

science experiments with corn flour and water

Special: Colored fire

science experiments with corn flour and water

Special: Fire bubbles

science experiments with corn flour and water

Water cycle in a jar

science experiments with corn flour and water

Egg drop challenge

science experiments with corn flour and water

Taking the pulse

science experiments with corn flour and water

Orange candle

science experiments with corn flour and water

Glass bottle xylophone

science experiments with corn flour and water

Warped spacetime

science experiments with corn flour and water

Homemade rainbow

science experiments with corn flour and water

Water implosion

science experiments with corn flour and water

Warm and cold plates

science experiments with corn flour and water

Plastic bag kite

science experiments with corn flour and water

Tamed lightning

science experiments with corn flour and water

Yeast and a balloon

science experiments with corn flour and water

Forever boiling bottle

science experiments with corn flour and water

Moon on a pen

science experiments with corn flour and water

Moon in a box

science experiments with corn flour and water

Inexhaustible bottle

science experiments with corn flour and water

Crystal egg geode

science experiments with corn flour and water

Magic ice cut

science experiments with corn flour and water

Leaf pigments chromatography

science experiments with corn flour and water

Heavy smoke

science experiments with corn flour and water

Popsicle stick bridge

science experiments with corn flour and water

Micrometeorites

science experiments with corn flour and water

Special: Fire tornado

science experiments with corn flour and water

Special: Whoosh bottle

science experiments with corn flour and water

Dancing water marbles

science experiments with corn flour and water

Brownian motion

science experiments with corn flour and water

Flying static ring

science experiments with corn flour and water

Water thermometer

science experiments with corn flour and water

String telephone

science experiments with corn flour and water

Special: Dust explosion

science experiments with corn flour and water

Special: Burning money

science experiments with corn flour and water

Special: Burning towel

science experiments with corn flour and water

Salt water purifier

science experiments with corn flour and water

Fish dissection

science experiments with corn flour and water

Hovering soap bubble

science experiments with corn flour and water

Homemade sailboat

science experiments with corn flour and water

Water mass meeting

science experiments with corn flour and water

Plastic bag and pencils

science experiments with corn flour and water

Water sucking bottle

science experiments with corn flour and water

Water sucking glass

science experiments with corn flour and water

Mentos and coke

science experiments with corn flour and water

Aristotle's illusion

science experiments with corn flour and water

Spinning spiral snake

science experiments with corn flour and water

Imploding soda can

science experiments with corn flour and water

Carbon dioxide extuingisher

science experiments with corn flour and water

Plastic bag parachute

science experiments with corn flour and water

Dental impression

science experiments with corn flour and water

Impact craters

science experiments with corn flour and water

Rolling static soda can

science experiments with corn flour and water

Static paper ghost

science experiments with corn flour and water

Color changing flower

science experiments with corn flour and water

Upside down glass

science experiments with corn flour and water

Shrinking chip bag

science experiments with corn flour and water

Solar system model

science experiments with corn flour and water

Strawberry DNA

science experiments with corn flour and water

Electric motor

science experiments with corn flour and water

Flashy electric motor

science experiments with corn flour and water

Bouncing soap bubbles

science experiments with corn flour and water

Toilet paper roll maraca

science experiments with corn flour and water

Cloud in a bottle 1

science experiments with corn flour and water

Cloud in a bottle 2

science experiments with corn flour and water

Balloon rocket

science experiments with corn flour and water

Water whistle

science experiments with corn flour and water

Special: Screaming gummy bear

science experiments with corn flour and water

Homemade compass

science experiments with corn flour and water

Trash airplane

science experiments with corn flour and water

Wind-up spinner toy

science experiments with corn flour and water

Tea bag rocket

science experiments with corn flour and water

Balancing soda can

science experiments with corn flour and water

Lung volume test

science experiments with corn flour and water

Fireproof balloon

science experiments with corn flour and water

Baking powder popper

science experiments with corn flour and water

Expanding space

science experiments with corn flour and water

Straw propeller

science experiments with corn flour and water

Wooden cutlery

science experiments with corn flour and water

Levitating match

science experiments with corn flour and water

Human reflexes

science experiments with corn flour and water

Electromagnet

science experiments with corn flour and water

Soil layers

science experiments with corn flour and water

Straw potato

science experiments with corn flour and water

Straw rocket launcher

science experiments with corn flour and water

Traveling flame

science experiments with corn flour and water

Water bowls

science experiments with corn flour and water

Straw duck call

science experiments with corn flour and water

Solar eclipse

science experiments with corn flour and water

Silo of salt

science experiments with corn flour and water

Balloon skewer

science experiments with corn flour and water

Newspaper tower

science experiments with corn flour and water

Microwave light bulb

science experiments with corn flour and water

Heavy paper

science experiments with corn flour and water

Rubber chicken bone

science experiments with corn flour and water

Homemade marble run

science experiments with corn flour and water

Drops on a coin

science experiments with corn flour and water

Cartesian diver

Content of website.

science experiments with corn flour and water

STEAMsational

How to Do the Cornstarch Quicksand Science Experiment- Just 2 Ingredients!

Categories STEM Activities

We love science and STEM activities. A couple of years ago, we did a whole month of STEM activities with our creative STEM activities series. Today’s cornstarch quicksand science experiment was our favorite science experiment for kids of the month.

We loved how the cornstarch mixture became a solid and a liquid at the same time. This classic oobleck science experiment is always a hit for kids, and makes the perfect quick science experiment!

Keep reading to learn how to make cornstarch quicksand and how to turn this science activity into a good option for elementary school science fair projects.

With just 2 ingredients, learn all about Non-Newtonian fluids! The cornstarch quicksand science experiment is fun and hands-on for science fairs!

You’ll love how much fun it is to do with kids, and kids will love how messy it is.

Since the experiment is messy, it’s best to do it outside, or warn parents in advance to dress their kids in play-safe clothing on the day you’ll be doing this oobleck science experiment.

How to Turn the Cornstarch Quicksand Science Experiment into a Science Fair Project

Learn how to make quicksand with cornstarch and learn about Non-Newtonian fluids! The quicksand science experiment is fun and hands-on!

Click the image below to get the science lab and oobleck science experiment worksheets for this activity!

The Scientific Method for Kids

Science is a logical system for exploring our world. Each science experiment should include:

  • Question : Kids should start every science experiment with a question, even if that question is just “what will happen?”
  • Experiment: This is where the fun part comes into play. Test the hypothesis to determine if it answers the question fully.
  • Recording and Analysis: As the test is completed, record what happened and analyze why.
  • Retest: Try different variables and try a new test to see if the original answer is confirmed or disproved. Every variable should be tested more than once.

When you include these elements in your science experiment, then you can use it as a science fair project.

Cornstarch Experiment Explanation

Cornstarch and water mixed acts both like a solid and a liquid. Cornstarch and water is a suspension mixture with a solid dispersed into a liquid. When you press the mixture quickly, the starch molecules close together.

This causes the water to get trapped between the starch chains and create a semi-rigid structure. When you press slowly, this starch chain “block” doesn’t happen and the mixture flows like a liquid.

Because the viscosity of the mixture changes with force rather than heat, the cornstarch mixture is known as a non-Newtonian fluid.

Slime is another fun non-Newtonian fluid.

Need a quick science experiment? Cornstarch quicksand is easy to make and teaches an interesting science lesson in non-Newtonian fluids at the same time. Science experiments with cornstarch are tons of fun, and this conrstarch science project is suitable for kids of all ages! #science #stem #stemed #scienceexperiments #kidsactivities #handsonlearning

Is Quicksand a Non Newtonian Fluid?

The biggest takeaway from this science experiment are non-Newtonian fluid science and viscosity science. Pressure causes the molecules in the starch to cling together, seizing up the mixture.

But when you relax, the molecules relax and flow around your hand or foot or whatever they are on. Challenge your class to see what other non-Newtonian fluids they can think of.

What makes these fluids different from regular fluids like water and syrup?

Experiment with different amounts of cornstarch and water to see how long it takes for the mixture to become a full liquid, when it becomes a full solid, and what levels of viscosity there are in between those extremes.

Supplies for the Cornstarch Quicksand Science Experiment

For this non-Newtonian fluid experiment you will need:

  • 1 box of corn starch
  • A large bowl
  • Food coloring

What You Need for a Science Fair

You’ll want to have these supplies on hand before doing your science fair project. Shop the included Amazon storefronts to make things easier and don’t forget to download the free science fair planning checklist before getting started!

science fair display board example

Science Fair Project Planning

When you’re planning your project, you want to keep everything organized. Click the image below to get my free science fair project checklist so you can start organizing your project from the start.

You may also want to check out this list of science fair project research supplies.

Supplies for a Science Fair Project

There are so many supplies for science fair projects that are individual to each project, but if you want a general list of possible supplies and inspiration for your project, check out my selection of science fair experiment supplies on Amazon.

Supplies for a Science Fair Presentation

Your science fair presentation is important! It should look presentable and eye-catching. Check out this list of my favorite science fair presentation supplies.

How to Make Quicksand with Cornstarch

Mix the corn starch and the water together at a ratio of about 10 parts starch to 1 part water. Start the mixture by adding about ½ of a cup of cornstarch to about 1 cup of water.

Need a quick science experiment? Cornstarch quicksand is easy to make and teaches an interesting science lesson in non-Newtonian fluids at the same time. Science experiments with cornstarch are tons of fun, and this conrstarch science project is suitable for kids of all ages!

Play with the mixture until it reaches the consistency that you want. You’re aiming for a texture that is runny when relaxed, but still firm enough to seize up when they hit the mixture.

Need a quick science experiment? Cornstarch quicksand is easy to make and teaches an interesting science lesson in non-Newtonian fluids at the same time. Science experiments with cornstarch are tons of fun, and this conrstarch science project is suitable for kids of all ages!

Cornstarch Quicksand Science Experiment Results

This cornstarch science experiment is messy, but is always a favorite with kids. Take it outside and make a big batch in a bucket or shallow pan. Then have the kids run across it really quickly.

Need a quick science experiment? Cornstarch quicksand is easy to make and teaches an interesting science lesson in non-Newtonian fluids at the same time. Science experiments with cornstarch are tons of fun, and this conrstarch science project is suitable for kids of all ages!

This makes it appear as if they are walking on water! Since they apply force when running, the mixture remains firm.

But if they relax and stand still, the will sink into the goo. It’s just like quicksand!

More Oobleck Science Experiments

Glow in the Dark Oobleck Science Fair Project

How to Make Galaxy Oobleck (with a science twist!)

Easy non-Newtonian Fluid Recipe Using Conversation Hearts

Oobleck Monsters

Share this project with a friend!

How to Mix Cornstarch and Water to Make Oobleck

Pictured instructions and a video showing how to make and play with oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid that flows like a liquid when moved slowly, but feels like a solid when you quickly push it. via @somewhatsimple

Pictured instructions and a video showing how to make and play with oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid that flows like a liquid when moved slowly, but feels like a solid when you quickly push it.

For more science fun with the kids, be sure to check out our Edible Plant Cell project .

Cornstarch and water spilling from a bowl

This cornstarch and water experiment is a great way to teach the States of Matter and non-Newtonian fluids. Is it a liquid or solid? YOU decide!

You can pick it up like a solid, but it will run through your fingers like a liquid – it is unlike anything you’ve felt before!

This experiment can be a bit messy, but couldn’t be easier to create and it will provide an entire afternoon of fun! Keep the kids at the counter and this Ooblek will wipe up just fine!

cornstarch and water on the counter

Cornstarch and Water Experiment

Here is the simple Oobleck recipe:

OOBLECK INGREDIENTS –

  • 1 cup of corn starch
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • small dish or bowl

OPTIONAL MATERIALS –

  • Newspaper (to cover your experiment area)
  • Food Coloring (if you want to make it colorful)
  • Small plastic toyS

CLASSROOM APPLICATIONS –

You can use this experiment in conjunction with the Dr. Suess’s book “Bartholomew and the Oobleck” . Just add some green food coloring to your mixture and have fun!

adding cornstarch to a bowl of water

Oobleck Recipe

DIRECTIONS – Mix the cornstarch with water in your bowl. Add more or less of each ingredient until you get the consistency of honey.

oobleck slipping through fingers

Play with it!

  • Tap the surface with a spoon- does it splash?
  • Grab a handful and watch it slip through your fingers.
  • Grab another handful and squeeze it in your palms. Does it slip through?
  • Let your fingers slip slowly down to the bottom of the bowl. Try to pull them out fast!
  • Grab a handful and roll it in the palm of your hands to make a ball. Stop rolling and watch what happens!
  • Place a small plastic toy on the surface- does it sink?
  • Stir the mixture slowly with your finger- do you feel resistance?
  • Now, stir the mixture quickly with your finger – do you feel resistance now?

oobleck as a solid in your hands

Cornstarch and Water Science Experiment Explanation

In the 1700s, Sir Isaac Newton identified the properties of a liquid. Water, juice, and other liquids have those properties and are called Newtonian Liquids or Fluids. The cornstarch and water mixture has properties of both a liquid and a solid, so it is identified as a non-Newtonian fluid.

This mixture is made up of solid particles suspended in water. Chemists, Physicists, and Scientists call this type of mixture a colloid . Colloids behave differently than solids and liquids. It can act like a solid when you apply force but acts like a liquid when it isn’t under pressure.

Can you name any other non-Newtonian fluids?

Ketchup and quicksand are both non-Newtonian fluids.

  • Next time you need to get some stubborn ketchup out of a bottle, don’t smack it – that will actually slow it down. All you need to do to get it out is to tip it over and have some patience.
  • And if you ever find yourself in quicksand, don’t panic and try to get out quickly! Move slowly, because the less force you apply, the less the quicksand will resist your movement.

Leave us a comment below if you try this cornstarch and water experiment and let us know how it goes. HAVE FUN EXPERIMENTING!!

Here is a video my kids and I made doing this cornstarch and water experiment, but keep reading for detailed directions and scientific applications –

collage of images showing oobleck cornstarch and water experiment

Busy moms, this one is for YOU!

Leave a review cancel reply.

I love hearing from you! Submit your question or review below. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked*.

Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.

I consent to Somewhat Simple collecting and storing the data I submit in this form. (Privacy Policy) *

Better Homes & Gardens

What are you looking for?

Get on the list.

By clicking GO, you're consenting to be added to our newsletter list. Don't worry, we won't ever send you spam and you can unsubscribe at any time.

  • Login | Register

Have 10% off on us on your first purchase - Use code NOW10

Free shipping for orders over $100

Available for dispatch within 2 days

Free gift with purchase of over $100

Check out with Paypal and Afterpay

Making Cornflour Slime

Follow FizzicsEd 150 Science Experiments:

You will need:

  • Cornflour (maize starch)
  • Food colouring

Materials to make corn flour slime showing a cup of water, a bowl, red food colouring and corn flour in a packet

  • Instruction
  • Video Instruction

Adding a food colouring to the water

Add a few drops of the food colouring into the water and stir it with the spoon.

Adding a cornflakes to the bowl

Pour some cornflour into the bowl.

adding of food colour on the bowl of cornflakes

Slowly add the water and food colouring mixture into the bowl and mix it with your hands.

adding more food colour on the bowl of cornflakes

If the slime is too powdery, add more water and food colouring.

Mixed cornflakes and food colour

If it is too runny add more flour.

A blonde girl smiling and watching blue slime dripping out of her hand in front of her

You know your slime is done if when you poke it hard and fast it feels like a solid. But when you poke it slow and gently it feels like a liquid. This is called a non-Newtonian liquid.

A man watching bubbles pour out of a large measuring cylinder

Get the Unit of Work on States of Matter here!

  • What are the different states of matter?
  • How does heat affect the size of materials?
  • How does liquid nitrogen affect materials and much more!

Includes cross-curricular teaching ideas, student quizzes, a sample marking rubric, scope & sequences & more

Orange read more button

School science visits since 2004!

– Curriculum-linked & award-winning incursions.

– Over 40 primary & high school programs to choose from.

– Designed by experienced educators.

– Over 2 million students reached.

– Face to face incursions & online programs available.

– Early learning centre visits too!

Teacher showing how to do an experiment outside to a group of kids.

Online courses for teachers & parents

– Help students learn how science really works

Why Does This Happen?

If you could check out cornflour up and close you would see that the powder is made up of particles that are relatively big with edges that are jagged and uneven. When you slowly move the slime with not much force, the slime acts like a liquid as the particles have space to move around each other. However if you add more force, the jagged bits get snagged on one another and the slime acts like a rock. Once you stop stirring it quickly, the particles can slide past each other again, so the slime acts like a liquid.

This ‘stir-thickening’ of the cornflour slime shows that the material is a Non-Newtonian fluid, which means that the material does not follow the properties described of fluids by Newton’s law of viscosity which defines the relationship between the sheer stress to sheer rate of a liquid at a given temperature and pressure (in the case of a Non-Newtonian fluid, the viscosity is not constant and is dependent on the sheer rate i.e. in this case, the amount of pressure applied).

Teaching her brother how to make pink slime because, #science ! 👩🏼‍🔬 Thanks @FizzicsEd for the ideas 💫 #FlattenTheCurve #StayHomeAustralia #WomenInSTEM pic.twitter.com/7xZcqwc35k — Melina Georgousakis (@Melina_Gee) April 8, 2020

How can this science be used?

Non-Newtonian fluids can be handy! Plenty of research is being done about how to use this special material in modern technology. Local and international scientists, as well as engineers, have been developing  liquid body armour  using non-Newtonian fluids, since they are really good at stopping bullets!

In 2010 a number of articles were released about the development of a speed bump that dynamically changed depending on how fast cars were travelling over it! If you travel over the speed bump at a slow speed the fluid inside the speed bump would move out of the way and you’d barely feel the speed bump. However, if you travel over the speed bump too fast the speed bump would react quickly to the increased force and become almost solid… making your car bounce and reminding you to slow down!

Variables to test

More on variables here

  • Vary the amount of water that you use.
  • Try cornflour vs wheat flour. Can both make a slime?
  • Does warm vs. cold water make a difference to your slime?
  • Does removing the food colouring make a difference to your slime?

A man with a glove above a liquid nitrogen vapour cloud

Learn more!

From colour changes to slimy science, we’ve got your kitchen chemistry covered! Get in touch with FizzicsEd to find out how we can work with your class.

science experiments with corn flour and water

Chemistry Show

Years 3 to 6

Maximum 60 students

Science Show (NSW & VIC)

Online Class Available

White tree in a green pot

Magic Crystal Tree Science Kit

Stem full day accelerator - primary.

Designed from real classroom experiences, this modular day helps you create consistently effective science learning that directly address the new curriculum with easily accessible and cost-effective materials.

Be Amazing! How to teach science, the way primary kids love.

Be Amazing! How to teach science, the way primary kids love.

Love science subscribe.

Receive more lesson plans and fun science ideas.

SCIENCE PARTIES

Calendar of events.

science experiments with corn flour and water

HIGH SCHOOL Science@Home 4-Week Membership 12PM: March 2024

science experiments with corn flour and water

Price: $50 - $900

science experiments with corn flour and water

PRIMARY Science@Home 4-Week Membership 2PM: March 2024

science experiments with corn flour and water

Light and Colour Online Workshop, Jan 18 PM

Light and colour online workshop, jan 18 am.

science experiments with corn flour and water

Lego Robotics, Sydney Olympic Park Jan 2024

science experiments with corn flour and water

Creative Coding, Sydney Olympic Park Jan 2024

science experiments with corn flour and water

Creative Coding, Sydney Olympic Park July 11 2023

Price: $100

science experiments with corn flour and water

Fizzics Education STEAM Day: Robots vs Dinosaurs, Lalor, Apr 14

Price: $45 - $50

Creative Coding, Sydney Olympic Park April 14 2023

Science@home after school 4-week membership: march 2023.

Price: $40 - $1200

One thought on “ Making Cornflour Slime ”

omg thankssss it worked really well

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

School Comments View All

Fizzics Education curated a thoughtful and hands-on experience for the children, incorporating practical, skill-based learning activities and followed by a science presentation at the end of the event involving liquid nitrogen. This was delivered safely and effectively, capturing both the children and the parents for the duration of the presentation.

Fizzics Education ran a show today at our school and it was wonderful. He was a great facilitator and the show was age appropriate and well done.

I just wanted to pass on how much the staff and students really enjoyed it and how perfect it was to launch our science week activities. The students were enthralled, educated and entertained – a perfect trifecta!

Thanks so much for presenting at our school on Monday. Our students enjoyed the show.

Fizzics Education Awards

blue writting saying Australian Small Business Champion with a white ackground and and image at the top

  • Free Resources

Free Chemistry Book! Sign-up to our newsletter and receive a free book!

Female Accountant Apply Here

Physics teacher apply here, science teacher apply here, view all vacancies, join our team apply here.

Send us an Email at [email protected]

science experiments with corn flour and water

Phone Number: 1300 856 828

Email: [email protected], address: unit 10/55 fourth ave blacktown, nsw 2148, australia.

  • Privacy & Legal Policy
  • Copyright Notice
  • Terms of Trade
  • Cookie Policy

Copyright 2024 Fizzics Education . All rights reserved.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy .

Get more science with our newsletter!

Thank you for looking to subscribing to our newsletter 🙂 Through this service you’ll be first to know about the newest free experiments, science news and special offers.

PLUS: Get a free Kitchen Chemistry Booklet with >20 experiments, how to use variables plus a handy template!

Click the image to preview

Please select an ebook!

science experiments with corn flour and water

Kids Edition

science experiments with corn flour and water

Parent Edition

science experiments with corn flour and water

Teacher Edition

Please fill out the details below and an email will be sent to you. Once you get that just click on the link to confirm your subscription and you're all done!

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number

Subscribe as a Teacher?

Preschool Teacher

Primary Teacher

High School Teacher

Vacation Care or Library

Subscribe as a Parent?

Enquiry Form

Extra things, products that might interest you.

Rainbow Fireworks Glasses

Rainbow Fireworks Glasses

A child holding a Helicopter spiral top with a smile

Helicopter Spiral Top

Fly Back Gliders

Fly Back Glider

  • Grade Level

Where are you located?

  • New South Wales
  • Australian Capital Territory

Location not listed?

Which grade level are you teaching.

  • Early Childhood
  • Kindergarten
  • Whole School
  • Teacher Professional Development
  • Special School Events

Which broad syllabus outcome you want to teach?

Green circle with the letters BS written in the middle

What is the age range of the attendee?

  • Age 5 and up
  • Age 6 and up
  • Age 7 and up
  • Age 8 and up
  • Age 9 and up
  • Age 10 and up
  • Age 11 and up
  • Age 12 and up

General Enquiry Form

Check if you require a live online class.

Subscribe for special offers & receive free resources?

How did you hear about us?

Choose a program *

Choose from school show *

* Please select a value!

* Please add a value!

Date required *

Time required *

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Science Experiments for Kids

  • FREE Experiments
  • Kitchen Science
  • Climate Change
  • Egg Experiments
  • Fairy Tale Science
  • Edible Science
  • Human Health
  • Inspirational Women
  • Forces and Motion
  • Science Fair Projects
  • STEM Challenges
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Contact Science Sparks
  • Science Resources for Home and School

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. It’s a brilliant indoor or outdoor science activity that only needs two ingredients, so it is super easy as well! 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 that 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 Recipe

  • 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? The cornflour and water 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

Cornflour Slime Play Ideas

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 !

Try adding more and less water to find out if it changes how the oobleck flows.

Oobleck Challenge

Fill a tray of oobleck and try to walk on it!

child standing in a giant black tray of oobleck

I also have a printable instruction sheet available for this. Go to the experiment instructions page to find it.

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

Once you’re finished with the oobleck, leave it somewhere warm to dry out. Then, you can either save it to use again or throw it away.

This activity is also part of my playful science series , which is full of play-based science activities for kids.

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

Last Updated on May 13, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

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

' src=

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.

' src=

August 15, 2011 at 9:11 am

Ooo, going to have a go at this one !

' src=

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 😉

' src=

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.

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.

' src=

August 22, 2011 at 12:00 am

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

' src=

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

' src=

August 25, 2011 at 8:50 pm

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

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.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Crafting Chicks

Cornstarch and Water Experiment for Kids

Cornstarch and Water Experiment for Kids

Hi everyone! I’m Stephanie from SomewhatSimple.com and I am excited to be here for “Science Week” with The Crafting Chicks. I have a super fun activity that I remember doing waayyyy back in grade school that is both fun and educational. Have you done the cornstarch and water experiment?

This experiment will teach your kids a little about the States of Matter and non-Newtonian fluids. Is it a liquid or solid? Let THEM decide! Pick it up like a solid, but watch it run through your fingers like a liquid – it is unlike anything you’ve felt before! This experiment can be a bit messy, but couldn’t be easier to create and it will provide an entire afternoon of fun!

Here is a video my kids and I made, but keep reading for detailed directions and scientific applications:

Cornstarch and Water Experiment

What You Need:

  • Cornstarch (about 1 cups)
  • Water (about 1/2 cup)
  • Bowl or Pan

You Might Also Need…

  • Newspaper (to cover your experiment area)
  • Food Coloring (if you want to make it colorful)
  • Small plastic toy

Classroom Application:

You can use this experiment in conjunction with the Dr. Suess book “Bartholomew and the Oobleck” . Just add some green food coloring to your mixture and have fun!

Directions:

  • Mix the cornstarch with water in your bowl. Add more or less of each ingredient until you get the consistency of honey.
  • Tap the surface with a spoon- does it splash?
  • Grab a handful and watch it slip through your fingers.
  • Grab another handful and squeeze it. Does it slip through?
  • Let your fingers slip slowly down to the bottom of the bowl. Try to pull them out fast!
  • Grab a handful and roll it in your hands to make a ball. Stop rolling and watch what happens!
  • Place a small plastic toy on the surface- does it sink?
  • Stir the mixture slowly with your finger- do you feel resistance?
  • Now, stir the mixture quickly with your finger- do you feel resistance now?

Explanation:

In the 1700’s, Isaac Newton identified the properties of a liquid. Water, juice, and other liquids have those properties and are called Newtonian Fluids. The cornstarch and water mixture has properties of both a liquid and a solid, so it is identified as a non-Newtonian fluid.

This mixture is made up of solid particles suspended in water. Chemists call this type of mixture a colloid . Colloids behave differently than solids and liquids. It can act like a solid when you apply force, but acts like a liquid when it isn’t under pressure.

Can you name any other non-Newtonian fluids? Ketchup and quick sand are both non-Newtonian fluids.

Next time you need to get some stubborn ketchup out of a bottle, don’t smack it- that will actually slow it down. All you need to do to get it out is to tip it over and have some patience.

And if you ever find yourself in quick sand, don’t panic and try to get out quickly! Move slowly, because the less force you apply, the less the quicksand will resist your movement.

HAVE FUN EXPERIMENTING!!

round logo 400

We have plenty of fun activities you can do with your kids on SomewhatSimple.com. Take a look at a few of our favorites:

activities for kids

Mary Poppins Family Movie Night || Family Time Capsule Free Printables || Butterfly Life Cycle Activity

Be sure to follow us on Social Media –

Facebook || Pinterest || Twitter || Instagram || YouTube

Have a great summer!!!

Click here for more Science fun!

Science Fun - Game, printables, science experiments, crafts, kids activities, and STEM - Everything you need to keep kids entertained this summer!

Similar Posts

How To Make Eyes Sparkle:  Photography Contributor Katie

How To Make Eyes Sparkle: Photography Contributor Katie

Having Faith in The Storm of Life

Having Faith in The Storm of Life

Father’s Day Word Art::Last Minute Gift Idea

Father’s Day Word Art::Last Minute Gift Idea

Painted Pistachio Shell Bugs

Painted Pistachio Shell Bugs

Cooking & In the Kitchen Books for Kids

Cooking & In the Kitchen Books for Kids

{A ‘Fancy’ Toothfairy Box}

{A ‘Fancy’ Toothfairy Box}

One comment.

  • Pingback: CraftCrave | DigiFree | CraftCrave

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Education Corner

Top 15 Science Experiments with Cornstarch

Photo of author

Cornstarch, an everyday pantry staple, is often reserved for thickening gravies or perfecting baked goods. But what if we told you that this unassuming white powder holds the key to a realm of scientific wonders?

When cornstarch meets science, the results are nothing short of magical: from dancing particles to mystifying liquids that behave like solids.

Discover the captivating world of cornstarch with our carefully curated collection of the top 15 cornstarch experiments, perfect for students of all ages.

By engaging in these experiments, students can enhance their problem-solving skills, foster a love for experimentation, and deepen their understanding of scientific concepts.

It’s time to unleash your inner scientist and explore the wonders of this remarkable substance!

1. Electric Cornstarch

This mesmerizing experiment combines the simplicity of cornstarch with the mind-blowing properties of electricity.

2. Rainbow Foam Dough

Rainbow Foam Dough

Get ready to dive into a world of colorful wonder with the captivating experiment of Rainbow Foam Dough! Brace yourself for a sensory explosion as you blend the magic of cornstarch with vibrant hues, creating a mesmerizing, squishy masterpiece.

Learn more: Rainbow Foam Dough

3. Frozen Popsicle Chalk

Frozen Popsicle Chalk

Combining cornstarch’s wonders with vibrant colors and freezing temperatures will create a unique and refreshing medium for your artistic expression.

Imagine the thrill of crafting your very own popsicle-shaped chalk that magically transforms sidewalks into vibrant masterpieces.

Learn more: Frozen Popsicle Chalk

4. Cornstarch Quicksand

Mixing cornstarch with water creates a mesmerizing concoction that behaves like both a solid and a liquid, defying our understanding of conventional materials.

5. Scented Edible Sidewalk Chalk Paint

Scented Edible Sidewalk Chalk Paint

Imagine the thrill of transforming your ordinary sidewalk into a vibrant canvas that not only showcases your artistic talent but also tantalizes your senses.

By combining the magic of cornstarch with enticing scents and vibrant colors, you’ll create a unique and mouthwatering medium for your creative expression.

Learn more: Scented Edible Sidewalk Chalk Paint

6. Pretend Frozen/Melting Ice Cream

Pretend Frozen/Melting Ice Cream

By combining the wonders of cornstarch with colorful ingredients and a touch of magic, you’ll craft a sensory masterpiece that mimics the look and feel of real ice cream.

Learn more: Pretend Frozen/Melting Ice Cream

7. Colorful Oobleck

Colorful Oobleck

! Brace yourself for a magical substance that defies the laws of physics and challenges your understanding of matter.

By combining the simplicity of cornstarch with a burst of vibrant colors, you’ll create a mind-bending concoction that is both a liquid and a solid.

Learn more: Colorful Oobleck

8. Make Homemade Watercolor

Make Homemade Watercolor

Get ready to unleash your inner artist and explore the fascinating world of color with the captivating experiment of making Homemade Watercolor!

Get your paintbrushes ready as you embark on a creative journey that allows you to craft your very own vibrant and unique watercolors using cornstarch.

Learn more: Make Homemade Watercolor

9. Dancing Oobleck

Dancing Oobleck

As you explore the properties of this peculiar substance, you’ll witness Oobleck come to life, dancing and rippling in response to vibrations.

Learn more: Dancing Oobleck

10. Make A Clay

Make A Clay

This hands-on experience allows you to experiment with different textures, shapes, and designs, providing endless possibilities for artistic expression.

Learn more: Make A Clay

11. Edible Gluten Free No Cook Playdough

Edible Gluten Free No Cook Playdough

By combining the wonders of cornstarch with simple ingredients from your kitchen, you’ll create a sensory masterpiece that can be molded, squished, and sculpted to your heart’s content.

Learn more: Edible Gluten Free No Cook Playdough

12. Home Made Easy Face Paint

Home Made Easy Face Paint

Get ready to transform into a colorful and imaginative character with the captivating experiment of Homemade Easy Face Paint using cornstarch! Get your brushes ready as you embark on a creative journey that allows you to customize your own face paint using simple ingredients found in your kitchen.

Learn more: Home Made Easy Face Paint

Sludge

By combining cornstarch with water, you’ll create a mesmerizing concoction that behaves like a liquid and a solid simultaneously.

Learn more: Sludge

14. Cornstarch Goo

y mixing cornstarch with water, you’ll create a gooey and malleable material that reacts in unexpected ways. As you explore the properties of Cornstarch Goo, you’ll witness its peculiar behavior—firm when touched with force but fluid and runny when left alone.

15. Edible Slime or Gak

Edible Slime or GAK

Get your hands ready for a squishy and tasty experience as you combine the wonders of cornstarch with edible ingredients to create a delightful slime that you can eat. This hands-on experiment not only lets you explore the fun and tactile sensation of slime but also offers a safe and delicious twist.

Learn more: Edible Slime or Gak

Similar Posts:

  • Top 100 Fine Motor Skills Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
  • 68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions
  • Top 58 Creative Art Activities for Kids and Preschoolers

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

Play of the Wild

Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught. -Oscar Wilde

science experiments with corn flour and water

10 Cornflour Messy Play Activities *(Cornstarch)

Cornflour messy play activities.  Frozen oobleck

10 Exciting Cornflour (Cornstarch) Messy Play Activities

There are loads of fun cornflour ( cornstarch ) messy play activities to do which are great for sensory play. It is fun to mix cornflour with water and other substances for a range of different sensory experiences from classic oobleck to snow dough.  

Cornflour and water (known as oobleck) is a non-Newtonian fluid, so it doesn’t follow Newton’s law of viscosity. Non-Newtonian fluids become runnier (e.g. ketchup) or thicker when the force on them changes. Cornflour and water become more viscous when shaken or squeezed so they can be particularly fun for sensory play. It can also be an excellent way for children to make marks and practice drawing and writing.

*Please note that this post contains affiliate links to help with the running cost of this website. Thank you for your support so that we can keep writing!

cornflour corn starch messy play activties.

What you need for Cornflour (Cornstarch) Messy Play Activities

Oobleck recipe.

Oobleck is easy to make! You need about 1.5 or 2 parts cornflour ( cornstarch ) for every 1 part water, and you can also add in food colouring . It can also be fun for children to add more water or cornflour to explore how it changes the consistency.  

Children can enjoy picking up, squeezing, pouring, scooping, scraping and running their fingers through oobleck. When you can let children explore playing with it, you may find that they want to add things into it like flower petals, leaves or other things they might find.

corn flour messy play activities

You may also want to give children spoons and small containers so that they can pour it, mix it and make it into ‘chocolates’, ‘pies’ or whatever else their imaginations create.

Frozen Oobleck

Another fun way to explore oobleck is to freeze it. Mix it up as above. Put it in an ice cube tray or other mould , then put it in the freezer for several hours. It can also be fun to add things like boba (tapioca balls) , flower petals, or water beads to make it even more exciting. It will thaw slowly while the children are playing with it, so it is nice to have some on hand that is not frozen so they can play with both at the same time. Frozen oobleck is a fantastic activity for a hot day!  

frozen oobleck tuff tray with flowers

Oobleck Paint & Cornflour Paint

Cornflour paint is quick and easy taste-safe paint that you can make at home. You can create colourful oobleck that children can use to paint, or you can make a creamier version that is a bit more like finger paints.

Cornflour Messy Play Activities *(Cornstarch)

To make basic oobleck paint, combine about 1 cup water for every 1.5 to 2 cups of corn flour ( corn starch ). Then divide up into different bowls or cupcake tray tins where food colouring can be combined in various ways to make different colours.

You can also make creamy cornflour paint that is very similar to finger paints. For the full recipe, see my post,  Corn Starch Paint .

Cornflour Messy Play Activities *(Cornstarch)

Glowing Oobleck -Cornflour Messy Play

You can make your oobleck even more exciting by making it glow!! To make your oobleck glow, you will need a backlight or backlight torch /flashlight, vitamin B , some tonic water or turmeric . Tonic water glows blue/white under UV light, vitamin B glows yellow, and turmeric glows bright yellow-green.

Glowing oobleck would be excellent around Halloween, and it makes for a lovely multisensory experience. If you make this for a Halloween party, you may even want to add a couple of drops of essential oils or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg so that your oobleck also stimulates the children’s sense of smell (olfactory system).

glowing oobleck

Shaving Foam and Cornflour Fluffy Slime Activities

To make fluffy slime, sprinkle some cornflour into the bottom of a bowl. Then spray some shaving foam on top, add some food colouring (optional) and mix it. If it is too gooey, slowly add some more cornflour but if it is too dry and crumbly slowly mix in more shaving foam. I don’t have an exact recipe because it can vary so much depending on which type of shaving foam you use and it can also be hard to measure. If you make the mixture with more shaving foam, it can have a consistency similar to buttercream frosting. This is especially lovely for children to squeeze and run through their fingers.  

It can get extremely messy, so when I do this type of activity, I tend to dress my youngest in a puddle suit and also use a tuff spot. 

science experiments with corn flour and water

See my post,  Shaving Foam Sensory Play Ideas  for full details. 

Dish Soap and Cornflour – Silly Putty or Slime

To make this homemade silly putty, you need to combine about 3 tablespoons of dish soap with 4 tablespoons of cornflour / cornstarch . The exact ratio may vary depending on what type of dish soap you use and if you want your putty slimy or more like putty/dough. When I used an eco-friendly brand, I had to use almost 6 tablespoons of cornflour for 3 tablespoons of dish soap. You can also add in food colouring and even glitter. This recipe is a lovely alternative to other homemade slimes that use borax.

Cornflour messy play activities

Cornflour and Glue Slime

To make cornflour and glue slime, you need to use a ratio of 1 to 2, so for every cup of glue you will need about 2 cups of cornflour. Combine both ingredients in a bowl with food colouring and mix with a spoon or spatula.

This slime is extremely gooey and sticky, so it’s lovely for sensory play but not something you want to get all over your house. I would make sure that you have somewhere safe (like a tray or large bowl) to play with this. 

cornflour messy play activities

Snow dough is a twist on Cloud Dough . It moulds into shapes like Cloud Dough , but it is soft, and it can also feel a bit crunchy and hard when you squeeze it. When you squeeze it, it makes a sound similar to walking on snow. To make it, combine about 2 cups cornflour for ½ cup vegetable oil. To make it sparkly, you can also add glitter.

snow dough.  corn starch activities

Cornflour Conditioner Playdough

Cornflour Conditioner Playdough  is a lovely salt-free, no-cook alternative to traditional playdough. It has a consistency that is a cross between playdough and oobleck, and children will enjoy pulling it, squeezing it and squashing it. Children also enjoy making prints in it using toys. See the link above for full details and the recipe.

corn flour conditioner playdough. cornflour and conditioner recipe

Questions to ask

  • How does it feel?
  • What do you notice?
  • What can you make?
  • How does it change when you squeeze it? Let it go? Shake it? Squash it?

What they get from it

Sensory play is great for children’s learning and development by helping strengthen connections in the brain. These cornflour messy play activities help in the development of children’s language and communication skills, as well as cognitive, and gross and fine motor skills. The more sensory experiences we have, the better our ability to develop pathways in the brain for thought, learning and creativity (Gascoyne, 2016).

Children can help measure, pour and mix ingredients which helps them to understand volume and to develop motor skills. The sensory play involved with many of these activities helps to build dexterity, strength, and manipulative skills.

cornflour messy play activities

Cornflour Messy Play Activities – Take it further

I hope you enjoyed these cornflour (cornstarch) messy play activities! You may want to see some of my posts on  Shaving Foam Sensory Play Ideas  or  Edible Mark Making Activities for Toddlers & Preschoolers  for sensory and mark making ideas. If you are interested in some further ideas to develop fine motor skills, you may want to see some of my playdough recipes such as   Homemade Cooked Playdough with Cream of Tartar ,  Homemade Playdough without Salt , or  Pumpkin Spice Playdough Recipe .

Gascoyne, Sue (2016).  Sensory Play: Play in the EYFS . Andrews UK Limited.

Baby , Creativity , Motor Skills , Physics & Chemistry , Preschooler , School Age , Sensory , toddler

colour , cornflour , flowers , frozen , sensory play , Water

One thought on “ 10 Cornflour Messy Play Activities *(Cornstarch) ” Leave a comment ›

  • Pingback: Pre-writing Activities for Preschoolers & Kindergarten – Play of the Wild

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

7 Activities with Cornstarch for Sensory Play

science experiments with corn flour and water

Cornstarch sensory play is one of my favorite play bases. Grab a box of cornstarch and make these sensory recipe ideas for a week/month/season of fun!

Oobleck | Cornstarch Sensory Play

Oobleck, this science experiments is one of the most famous recipes to use with cornstarch. All you need is 2 parts cornstarch with one part water to create this neutonian fluid. It’s solid when you grab it and liquid when you let it go.

chocolate oobleck recipe toddler

  • Add Cocoa powder to create a edible mud
  • Add Orange food coloring and create this melted pumpkin activity
  • Keep it simple, add green color and some real apples and celebrate apple week with the original oobleck recipe !

Chalk Paint

science experiments with corn flour and water

Use a water bottle or a paintbrush, creating chalk designs is a great spring activity! The best thing, is that because it is based with cornstarch it is an edible safe activity and it washes off easily with a hose.

All you need is equal parts cornstarch and water. Add 8-10 drops of food coloring to create different colors.

Leftover paint? you can save it for later. Keep it in the refrigerator, when you are ready to play again, add some water, shake and it should be good to go!

Edible-Safe Paint using Cornstarch

science experiments with corn flour and water

My favorite edible paint is milk based but if your baby is not yet ready to play with something that contains milk, here is a super easy and fun recipe you can use using cornstarch, water and food coloring.

Clay Recipe

air clay recipe

Making your own clay is so much fun! we did it for Christmas to make our own ornaments and it was a such a fun experience. The clay molds like a playdough but it hardens out when it dries out. Make a circle and place your baby’s handprint and you will get a keepsake you want to save forever!

Watercolor Paint

Watercolor is a great fine motor and science activity.

science experiments with corn flour and water

Mixing colors with paint is a great learning opportunity as well as allowing your child to get creative and express what they cannot express with words.

For this recipe you will need vinegar, food coloring and cornstarch.

This two ingredient playdough is also called cloud dough. It uses cornstarch, water and food coloring . It doesn’t contain any preservative so it wont save well for use later but if you are looking for something easy and fast this is a great option!

No salt Playdough

SUPER IMPORTANT TIP: Place the cornstarch on the bowl first and then slowly add the hair conditioner for a perfect blend and consistency

Some of us do not live in a climate that snows, so the best thing is to make fake snow using 2 ingredients you probably already have at home.

science experiments with corn flour and water

This recipe is messy! so definitely prepare your are ahead of time and have fun (without the cold weather!)

As you can see using this one ingredient can make you tons of fun sensory recipes ! now the question is, which one will you choose first?

Share With Friends!

Let's connect on social.

science experiments with corn flour and water

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

  • International
  • Education Jobs
  • Schools directory
  • Resources Education Jobs Schools directory News Search

Corn flour slime experiment

Corn flour slime experiment

Subject: Primary science

Age range: 5-7

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

KimB1988

Last updated

18 January 2015

  • Share through email
  • Share through twitter
  • Share through linkedin
  • Share through facebook
  • Share through pinterest

doc, 74 KB

Creative Commons "Sharealike"

Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.

It's good to leave some feedback.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

AHoonaishi20

One of the best resources I have ever come across on TES! Thank you so much for sharing

Empty reply does not make any sense for the end user

leigh_cooper

Great resource :)

Looks interesting but can't view the flipchart. What do I need to do?

Just what I needed. Thank You

Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.

Not quite what you were looking for? Search by keyword to find the right resource:

science experiments with corn flour and water

How To : Make non-Newtonian slime mixing cornflour and water

Make non-Newtonian slime mixing cornflour and water

In this tutorial, we learn how to make slime by mixing corn flour and water. To start, you will need corn flour, water, and two plastic containers. First, pour the corn flour into one plastic container and then add in some water with food coloring to the mix. After this, mix the combination together until it makes a paste. Add more water or corn flour as you mix. When finished, grasp the mix in your hands and it will start to turn into slime! You can color this with any color food coloring, but green looks best to get the true slime effect. This is a fun project to do with children, and is easy and cheap!

Just updated your iPhone? You'll find new features for TV, Messages, News, and Shortcuts, as well as important bug fixes and security patches. Find out what's new and changed on your iPhone with the iOS 17.6 update.

Be the First to Comment

Share your thoughts, make slime without borax : 5 easy recipes for gooey homemade ooze, how to : the best investigatory projects in science: 16 fun & easy ideas to kickstart your project, how to : determine the empirical and molecular formulas for a compound in chemistry, how to : make this amazing 9-layer density tower from things found in your kitchen, how to : build a simple paper bridge as a science experiment, how to : make soap out of guava leaf extract for a science investigatory project, how to : make fire 4 ways without matches by using chemistry, how to : determine volume measurement, news : rocket power your lazy boy, how to : reveal latent fingerprints on paper & other surfaces, how to : build a catapult out of rubber bands & a wire hanger, how to : experiment with pressure using a vacuum, how to : prove that water molecules are polar with a home-science experiment, how to : make boric acid from borax, how to : use a protractor to measure the height of any object, how to : turn milk into strong natural glue with baking soda and vinegar, how to : make a paper plate speaker that actually works for under $1, how to : use baby powder to reveal latent fingerprints, how to : make chlorine gas with pool chlorine and hydrochloric acid, how to : make a crazy zigzagging stream of water using a speaker.

  • All Features
  • All Hot Posts

Sciencing_Icons_Science SCIENCE

Sciencing_icons_biology biology, sciencing_icons_cells cells, sciencing_icons_molecular molecular, sciencing_icons_microorganisms microorganisms, sciencing_icons_genetics genetics, sciencing_icons_human body human body, sciencing_icons_ecology ecology, sciencing_icons_chemistry chemistry, sciencing_icons_atomic & molecular structure atomic & molecular structure, sciencing_icons_bonds bonds, sciencing_icons_reactions reactions, sciencing_icons_stoichiometry stoichiometry, sciencing_icons_solutions solutions, sciencing_icons_acids & bases acids & bases, sciencing_icons_thermodynamics thermodynamics, sciencing_icons_organic chemistry organic chemistry, sciencing_icons_physics physics, sciencing_icons_fundamentals-physics fundamentals, sciencing_icons_electronics electronics, sciencing_icons_waves waves, sciencing_icons_energy energy, sciencing_icons_fluid fluid, sciencing_icons_astronomy astronomy, sciencing_icons_geology geology, sciencing_icons_fundamentals-geology fundamentals, sciencing_icons_minerals & rocks minerals & rocks, sciencing_icons_earth scructure earth structure, sciencing_icons_fossils fossils, sciencing_icons_natural disasters natural disasters, sciencing_icons_nature nature, sciencing_icons_ecosystems ecosystems, sciencing_icons_environment environment, sciencing_icons_insects insects, sciencing_icons_plants & mushrooms plants & mushrooms, sciencing_icons_animals animals, sciencing_icons_math math, sciencing_icons_arithmetic arithmetic, sciencing_icons_addition & subtraction addition & subtraction, sciencing_icons_multiplication & division multiplication & division, sciencing_icons_decimals decimals, sciencing_icons_fractions fractions, sciencing_icons_conversions conversions, sciencing_icons_algebra algebra, sciencing_icons_working with units working with units, sciencing_icons_equations & expressions equations & expressions, sciencing_icons_ratios & proportions ratios & proportions, sciencing_icons_inequalities inequalities, sciencing_icons_exponents & logarithms exponents & logarithms, sciencing_icons_factorization factorization, sciencing_icons_functions functions, sciencing_icons_linear equations linear equations, sciencing_icons_graphs graphs, sciencing_icons_quadratics quadratics, sciencing_icons_polynomials polynomials, sciencing_icons_geometry geometry, sciencing_icons_fundamentals-geometry fundamentals, sciencing_icons_cartesian cartesian, sciencing_icons_circles circles, sciencing_icons_solids solids, sciencing_icons_trigonometry trigonometry, sciencing_icons_probability-statistics probability & statistics, sciencing_icons_mean-median-mode mean/median/mode, sciencing_icons_independent-dependent variables independent/dependent variables, sciencing_icons_deviation deviation, sciencing_icons_correlation correlation, sciencing_icons_sampling sampling, sciencing_icons_distributions distributions, sciencing_icons_probability probability, sciencing_icons_calculus calculus, sciencing_icons_differentiation-integration differentiation/integration, sciencing_icons_application application, sciencing_icons_projects projects, sciencing_icons_news news.

  • Share Tweet Email Print
  • Home ⋅
  • Science Fair Project Ideas for Kids, Middle & High School Students ⋅

How to Perform the Corn Starch and Speaker Experiment

The cornstarch and speaker experiment is an excellent illustration of non-Newtonian fluids.

How to Build a Speaker for a Science Project

Non-Newtonian fluids exhibit the qualities of both a liquid and a solid. Cornstarch, a thickening agent derived from corn, becomes a non-Newtonian liquid when mixed with water. Several experiments serve to illustrate the strange effects of stress on these types of fluids, among them the cornstarch and speaker cone experiment. Relatively easy to conduct, this experiment illustrates the varying states of cornstarch when irritated by the sound waves produced by a speaker. Simple and fun to observe, this experiment is an ideal activity for science classrooms and may be carried out with very few ingredients.

Mix the box of cornstarch with 1 cup of water in a bowl. The cornstarch will become difficult to stir, given its properties. Use your fingers to break up any clumps and stir the mixture until it is like syrup in texture.

Remove the speaker cone from the outer housing on the speaker using the screwdriver. The speaker housing should be held together by a series of simple screws. Once you remove the housing, the interior cone may be lifted from the housing without difficulty. Ensure that the speaker wire is still intact.

Connect the end of the speaker wire to a 3.5-inch audio adapter, if necessary. Depending on the speaker you’re using, it may already be equipped with a 3.5-inch audio plug.

Place the speaker cone into a plastic bag to prevent the cone from being damaged. Seal the bag around the cone, ensuring that the connecting wire protrudes from the bag.

Connect the speaker via the 3.5-inch audio plug or adapter, if any, to the “audio out” socket of your computer or stereo. Turn the computer or stereo on.

Pour the cornstarch mixture onto the plastic-covered speaker cone so that the mixture rests in the bowl of the speaker cone. Play different songs on the stereo or computer, experimenting with songs with louder bass sounds. The vibrations in the speaker will cause the cornstarch to jump into the air and tremble, forming tendrils and waves in the cornstarch as it changes from solid to liquid and back again.

Things You'll Need

Related articles, experiments with cornstarch & water, how to build an egg catapult, how to make a model of an ear for children, how to calculate drum volume, sound wave experiments for kids, how to sterilize petri dishes, experiments on mechanical energy for kids, how to make rubber with corn starch, water and vinegar, how to make a burglar alarm for kids, objects that absorb sound, ideas for second grade science fair, how to convert square feet to cubic feet, how to calculate volume, successful egg drop contraptions for a science project, how to reshape plastic bottles, how to make a 3d volcano for a high school project, how to make electricity flow like lightning between..., the best materials to build a roller coaster for a....

  • “Physics I for Dummies”; Steven Holzner; 2011

About the Author

Joshua Wade has been a freelance writer since 2006. Wade's poetry and short fiction have appeared in "The Frequent and Vigorous Quarterly" and "The Litter Box Magazine." He has also written for various online publications. Wade attended West Virginia University where he studied English and creative writing.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images

Find Your Next Great Science Fair Project! GO

IMAGES

  1. Make Cornflour Slime

    science experiments with corn flour and water

  2. Cornflour Sensory Play

    science experiments with corn flour and water

  3. Cornstarch and Water Experiment

    science experiments with corn flour and water

  4. FUN Gloop Corn Flour Experiment : 5 Steps

    science experiments with corn flour and water

  5. Homemade Smart Materials- Cornflour and Water

    science experiments with corn flour and water

  6. Try this fun science experiment with your children or students using

    science experiments with corn flour and water

VIDEO

  1. Cornflour Explosion in SLOW MOTION!

  2. The Corn Processing 🌽

  3. Slow Motion Flour Craters Science Experiment

  4. corn flour + water experiment its work 😁#diy #craft #experiment#crafter adrika and Ritika

  5. 1000°C RHCB vs Corn+oil & Corn + Water 🌽😱#satisfying #asmrsounds #experiment #science #rhcb

  6. Home Experiments

COMMENTS

  1. It's a Solid... It's a Liquid... It's Oobleck ...

    This substance's funny name comes from a Dr. Seuss book called Bartholomew and the Oobleck. Materials. • 1 cup of water. • 1 to 2 cups of cornstarch. • Mixing bowl. • Food coloring ...

  2. Oobleck

    Pour the cornstarch into the bowl. Don't rush to add water - take time to feel the cornstarch. Cornstarch does not feel like any other powder. It has a texture that can be compared to that of whipped cream. The grains of cornstarch are so small that they will fill into grooves of your fingerprints and make the prints stand out.

  3. Science experiment using cornflour and water

    Using cornflour and water, you can create a "slime" that looks like a liquid, but turns solid when impacted.For more info and a recipe, go to www.bbc.co.uk/s...

  4. How to Make Oobleck

    Here are the step-by-step instructions for how to make oobleck: 1. Mix 2 cups of cornstarch to 1 cup of water into a bowl. Mix the cornstarch and water until your oobleck is formed. Tip: If you would like to color your oobleck, add your food coloring to your water and then mix with the cornstarch. Halloween Activity Suggestion: If you want to ...

  5. Oobleck Recipe

    Instructions: Add 5 drops of food colouring to 1/2 cup water. Stir the water and food colouring together. Add the coloured water to 1 cup of cornstarch. Mix the cornstarch and water together with a spoon. If the mixture is too dry and difficult to stir, add a bit more water.

  6. Cornflour slime

    The science behind it all The cornflour-water mixture is an example of a non-Newtonian fluid. Newtonian fluids, such as water, maintain a constant viscosity (the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow) unless the temperature or pressure changes. ... There is lots of science going on in this simple experiment. Cornflour is made up of lots of ...

  7. How To Make Oobleck Recipe

    STEP 1: Add the cornstarch to your bowl or baking dish. Mix two parts cornstarch with one part water. Note: Mixing the oobleck in a bowl and then transferring it to a baking dish or tray may be easier. STEP 2: Add the water to the cornstarch. If you want to give your oobleck a color such as green, add food coloring to your water first.

  8. Oobleck

    Oobleck is a mixture of water and corn starch where the corn starch doesn't dissolve completely in the water, but exists as microscopically small lumps. ... Drop pebbles in flour. An experiment about meteoroid, comet and asteroid impacts. Rolling static soda can. ... Fun and easy science experiments for kids and adults. In biology, chemistry ...

  9. How to make Oobleck Recipe for Sensory Play and Hands-On Learning

    You need to look for cornflour and add equal parts cornflour to hot water. (Note: cornflour and corn flour are different. Make sure you get the first one) To make oobleck without cornstarch, mix together 1 part room-temperature water with 2 parts arrowroot powder or tapioca flour. Expand learning with themed Activities A word on Sensory play

  10. How to Make Oobleck: Cornstarch and Water Science Experiment

    1. Add 2 cups cornstarch and 1 cup water to a mixing bowl or container. If you want to make more goop for multiple kids, you can simply increase the amount of the two ingredients. However, make sure that you always maintain the same cornstarch to water ratio. 2.

  11. How to Do the Cornstarch Quicksand Science Experiment

    How to Make Quicksand with Cornstarch. Mix the corn starch and the water together at a ratio of about 10 parts starch to 1 part water. Start the mixture by adding about ½ of a cup of cornstarch to about 1 cup of water. Play with the mixture until it reaches the consistency that you want. You're aiming for a texture that is runny when relaxed ...

  12. How to Mix Cornstarch and Water to Make Oobleck

    Cornstarch and Water Science Experiment Explanation. In the 1700s, Sir Isaac Newton identified the properties of a liquid. Water, juice, and other liquids have those properties and are called Newtonian Liquids or Fluids. The cornstarch and water mixture has properties of both a liquid and a solid, so it is identified as a non-Newtonian fluid.

  13. Making Cornflour Slime : Fizzics Education

    1. Add a few drops of the food colouring into the water and stir it with the spoon. 2. Pour some cornflour into the bowl. 3. Slowly add the water and food colouring mixture into the bowl and mix it with your hands. 4. If the slime is too powdery, add more water and food colouring. 5.

  14. How to make 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.

  15. Make Cornflour Slime

    If you're looking for fun science experiments that you can try at home with your kids, try this super-easy activity that's bound to delight! Mix up some corn...

  16. Cornstarch and Water Experiment for Kids

    Classroom Application: You can use this experiment in conjunction with the Dr. Suess book "Bartholomew and the Oobleck". Just add some green food coloring to your mixture and have fun! Directions: Mix the cornstarch with water in your bowl. Add more or less of each ingredient until you get the consistency of honey. Play with it!

  17. Top 15 Science Experiments with Cornstarch

    1. Electric Cornstarch. Electric Cornstarch - Sick Science! #194. Watch on. This mesmerizing experiment combines the simplicity of cornstarch with the mind-blowing properties of electricity. 2. Rainbow Foam Dough. Get ready to dive into a world of colorful wonder with the captivating experiment of Rainbow Foam Dough!

  18. Experiments With Cornstarch & Water

    Suspensions. Mix 1 cup of cornstarch and 1 cup of water in a bowl. Stir until you have the consistency of pancake batter. Put your hands in the mixture and move them around. The more you try to move it, the thicker and more solid it feels. Pour the mixture into a pan and hit it with an open hand.

  19. 10 Cornflour Messy Play Activities * (Cornstarch)

    To make basic oobleck paint, combine about 1 cup water for every 1.5 to 2 cups of corn flour (corn starch). Then divide up into different bowls or cupcake tray tins where food colouring can be combined in various ways to make different colours. You can also make creamy cornflour paint that is very similar to finger paints.

  20. 7 Activities with Cornstarch for Sensory Play

    Chalk Paint. Use a water bottle or a paintbrush, creating chalk designs is a great spring activity! The best thing, is that because it is based with cornstarch it is an edible safe activity and it washes off easily with a hose. All you need is equal parts cornstarch and water. Add 8-10 drops of food coloring to create different colors.

  21. Corn flour slime experiment

    Corn flour slime experiment. Subject: Primary science. Age range: 5-7. Resource type: Lesson (complete) File previews. doc, 74 KB. docx, 12.63 KB. flipchart, 219.23 KB. I had an official observation as part of my Training course for the School Direct programme and received a Good with Outstanding features for this.

  22. How to Make non-Newtonian slime mixing cornflour and water « Science

    7/12/10 5:39 PM. In this tutorial, we learn how to make slime by mixing corn flour and water. To start, you will need corn flour, water, and two plastic containers. First, pour the corn flour into one plastic container and then add in some water with food coloring to the mix. After this, mix the combination together until it makes a paste.

  23. How to Perform the Corn Starch and Speaker Experiment

    Mix the box of cornstarch with 1 cup of water in a bowl. The cornstarch will become difficult to stir, given its properties. Use your fingers to break up any clumps and stir the mixture until it is like syrup in texture. Remove the speaker cone from the outer housing on the speaker using the screwdriver. The speaker housing should be held ...

  24. Enhancement of oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) flour properties

    The water absorption properties were also observed to be lower than those of the control flour, with the exception of the OF treated at 500 kPa for 60 s, which exhibited a water absorption value (4.48 ± 0.84) that was similar to that of the control flour (4.90 ± 0.33).

  25. Mechanistic study on the effect of hydroxypropyl corn starch, guar gum

    1.Introduction. Kuey teow, a well-known traditional dish from Guangdong's Chaoshan region, is naturally gluten-free and hypoallergenic due to the use of rice as its main ingredient, a naturally gluten-free and hypoallergenic cereal [1].Gluten-free foods can be used to treat celiac disease patients who are sensitive to gluten, and the gluten-free diet aligns with a lifestyle philosophy of ...