Oobleck Sensory Exploration Bin
Mixing cornstarch and water creates Oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid perfect for tactile exploration and discussion about different states of matter.
- Takes
- 30 min–1 hr
- Your setup
- 5 min prep
- Ages
- Ages 4–6
- Mess
- Messy
- Cost
- $
- Where
- Outdoors
How to do it
- 1Mix cornstarch and water slowly in the container until it reaches a thick, slightly runny consistency.
- 2Ask the child to try punching the Oobleck (it should feel hard) and then slowly scooping it (it should feel liquid).
- 3Encourage the child to describe the substance. Explain that it is special because it acts like both a solid and a liquid.
- 4Note: Disposal should be done in the trash, not down the drain, to prevent clogs.
What they're practising
- Tactile Sensory Integration
- Understanding Viscosity
- Focus and Concentration
- Independent Discovery