Doing STEM activities in the summer is so much fun! Kids can learn a lot doing science experiments for kids at home in the summer, and the galaxy oobleck science experiment is the perfect example of the best summer science project!
With galaxy oobleck, you can learn all about density, fluids, states of matter, and non-Newtonian fluids right in your own backyard.
The fun galaxy colors make this one of our favorite summer STEM activities!
Don’t let your kids waste their brainpower on screen time all summer long, make things fun and interesting with the oobleck science experiment!
Kids will have a blast making it!
Why is it Important to Add Science when Making Oobleck?
Summer is a time of relaxing and fun and no learning activities.
Well.. that’s not what we believe here.
Our summers are always full of DIY summer camps and tons of summer learning activities.
One of our favorite summer activities are science experiments. We’ve been doing science experiments every summer since about 2014, and my kids really look forward to doing hands-on science experiments and science projects at home during the summer months.
The biggest advantage to doing summer science experiments at home is that your kids will retain more knowledge over the summer, and come back prepared for learning in the fall.
My kids always score at the top of the class in science thanks to all the science activities we’ve done at home over the years.
It makes quite a difference in their opinion of science and the subjects they prefer at school.
Doing science with girls is particularly important because sometimes science can still have a “boy” vibe, which makes some girls feel like they can’t be that interested in the subject.
Which is of course, silly. Kids of both sexes can enjoy science experiments at home.
For more fun space-themed learning, try making a solar system mobile, planet slime, or galaxy slime!
What is Oobleck?
Oobleck is a substance that has both properties of a liquid and properties of a solid at the same time. The name Oobleck comes from an old Dr. Seuss book, called Bartholomew and the Oobleck, which was a big, green, gooey monster.
I don’t know who the first person was to call cornstarch quicksand oobleck, but the name stuck, and now almost everyone knows what oobleck is.
Whether you call it goop, oobleck, cornstarch quicksand, cornflower soup, or anything else, it’s a fun and simple science experiment that you can use to teach the states of matter to kids.
Try freezing it for even more science learning!
You’ll also want to try: Summer Slime Recipes
The Science Behind Oobleck
Oobleck works because it is a non-Newtonian fluid. Issac Newton thought that things could not act like different states of matter at the same time. But cornstarch quicksand does.
When you apply pressure to the molecules in the oobleck, they stick together and form a solid. But when you release the pressure, there is nothing holding the molecules together, so they drift apart like a liquid.
That is why if you make a big enough tub of oobleck, you can run across it without sinking in, but if you stand still, you sink right in.
But try to get out too fast and you’ve run into a problem!
Oobleck Lesson Plan
Get the science lab and oobleck lesson plan that goes along with making oobleck!
Turn this into an Oobleck STEM Activity!
Science: Explore the science of non-Newtonian fluids. What makes it act like a liquid and a solid?
Technology: While making the oobleck, learn about the technology we use to view galaxies and nebula in space.
Engineering: Experiment with mixing your oobleck colors to create the prettiest oobleck recipe.
Math: Measure the idea ratio of cornstarch to liquid to make the perfect oobleck!
More Fun Science: STEM Experiments for Elementary
What Do You Need for Oobleck?
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The Mason Jar Scientist: 30 Jarring STEAM-Based Projects
18 x 26 Inch Plastic Tray White365 Everyday Value, Corn Starch, 16 OunceFood Coloring Liqua-Gel – 12 Color Variety Kit in .75 fl. oz. (20ml) BottlesSlime Supplies Glitter Powder Sequins for Slime,Arts Crafts Extra Solvent Resistant Glitter Powder Shakers,Bulk Acrylic Polyester Craft Supplies Glitter Loose Eyeshadow,Assorted Colors,12 Pack Glitter
Use liquid watercolors for less mess!
How to Make Oobleck
Follow along with these directions to do your own galaxy oobleck science experiment. Add in extra variables to make this science experiment your own!
Start by adding one cup of corn starch to a bowl or mason jar. You will need three jars total.
Add some blue, purple, and pink food coloring to one of each of the jars.
Add enough water to turn the oobleck from a solid, into nearly a liquid.
The liquid should be stiff enough to give resistance when you stir. That’s how you know the oobleck is the right consistancy.
It took us about 1/2 a cup of water to reach the right consistency, but each time you make it the ratios are slightly different.
Once the oobleck is mixed, pour it onto your tray.
Add glitter for dramatic effect.
Play with the oobleck. What happens when you squeeze it? What happens when you let it rest?
More Oobleck Recipes
Try these fun variations on the galaxy oobleck science experiment. What other versions can you make?