Valentine’s Day is filled with fun and science when you make this non-Newtonian fluid recipe! Kids will love making this!
If your kids love oobleck, then they will love this fun version made with conversation hearts! Try it with your kids this Valentine’s Day if you have more conversation hearts than you know what to do with. It’s a fun Valentine STEM activity that kids will want to try over and over!
Related: Valentine’s Day STEM Activities and Science Experiments
Is Oobleck a Newtonian Fluid?
A Newtonian fluid is a fluid based on Newton’s assumption that something either had the properties of a solid, or the properties of a liquid. A non-Newtonian fluid is a liquid that has properties of both.
Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid because it acts like a solid when squeezed and acts like a liquid when it is relaxed.
Easy Oobleck Recipe for Kids
This easy oobleck recipe is not only fun, but it also teaches kids about non-Newtonian fluids.
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What you’ll need to make the easy oobleck recipe:
- Conversation hearts
- Kitchen mallet (you can also use a rolling pin)
- Gallon-sized zip lock baggie
- Cornstarch
- Small container
- Play tray
Oobleck Science Experiment Worksheet
Get the science lab and oobleck lesson plan that goes along with making oobleck!
Oobleck Science Facts
Oobleck is a slime that has properties of both a solid and a liquid. Isaac Newton thought that substances were either solid or a liquid. He didn’t realize that a lot of solutions can have both properties of a solid and of a liquid.
This is why anything that can act like a solid and a liquid is called a “non-Newtonian” fluid.
Cornstarch slime is a classic, because when you hit it or press it, it freezes up and acts like a solid. But as soon as you let go, it drips off your fingers just like a liquid.
What is the Recipe for Oobleck?
Glad you asked! Keep reading and you’ll find out how to make this version with conversation hearts.
First, place your conversation hearts into a plastic bag and seal it up. Hammer the bag with your Kitchen mallet until the hearts become a fine powder.
Mix your conversation heart powder with the cornstarch in a 2 to one ratio. If you have one cup of heart powder, add two cups of cornstarch.
Add just enough water to form a malleable liquid.
Pour out your oobleck onto the play tray.
Give your kids more conversation hearts to play with in the oobleck.
My preschooler liked placing the hearts on the surface of the oobleck and watching them slowly sink to the bottom.
The oobleck is slightly stickier than regular oobleck due to the addition of the sugar, but it also smells great!
More Valentine’s Day Science and STEM
Valentine’s Day STEAM Activities
Magic Color Reveal Science Valentines
Valentine balloon science experiment