Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Boredom Buster: Oobleck

Warning! Don't do this activity unless don't mind a mess and are ready to have a lot of fun!


It's been really cold here in OK lately. We even had some unseasonal snow!





We don't get outside much because of the dreary cold weather. And on top of that the kids area at our local gym has been closed since December for remodeling. Being cooped up inside has led to a stir crazy Con-Man. This got me wondering how Con-Man and I were going to spend an afternoon and my mind wandered back to the 5th grade when our teacher read us the Dr. Suess book Bartholomew and The Oobleck. 



After she read the story we made Oobleck and played with it in the classroom. It's an interesting substance in that is is neither a liquid nor a solid. You can punch it with your palm but if you try to pick it up it acts like a liquid and slips through your hands.

I thought it would be a fun experiment for the Con-Man and I to try out. I found a great recipe on Instructables that even has a video. 

I had all the ingredients on hand- Cornstarch, water, and food coloring.


Mix 1 cup water with 1.5- 2 cups of cornstarch. Start with the water first then add the cornstarch a few tablespoons at a time. When your getting close to using most of your cornstarch add it more slowly, use your hands if necessary to mix it in. You want to get it to a state where it's not a liquid anymore but not so solid that it doesn't run though your fingers when you try to pick it up. Play with it some to get the right consistency.



Once you have the right feeling of weirdness add your food coloring. I used green since that what color it was in the book. Now it's time to play!

Con-Man was a little wary at first but he quickly went into mess making mode.







This was a great afternoon project because I had everything on hand to make it, it was easy to make, and it kept Con-Man occupied for almost an hour. Next time I do this I'll try to get the book from the library first and read it to him.

Though it splattered everywhere clean up wasn't to bad. Once it dries you can just wipe it up or take a damp towel and clean it up.

Has anyone else ever made Oobleck before?

9 comments:

Its So Very Cheri said...

Hey Its Cheri from Its so very Cheri. I am following you. I also have another post on my site for a give-a-way each week for those who follow me on the new Linky Follower tool.

Cheri www.itssoverycheri.com

Unknown said...

I did this with my daughter before she was one. Not a good idea when she's still teething. I'm following via Linky Followers. Stop by www.thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com and check me out.

momto8 said...

it is worth the mess! in so many ways..
I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.

Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication said...

We used to read that book and make Oobleck in grade school too! This is a GREAT idea for a rainy, or snowy, day! It looks like Con-Man had a lot of fun!

Unknown said...

I love this! I am a grandmother and wished I was this brave with my children. I need to do this with my grandchildren:) I am following you on the linky blog hop and please check out my blog and follow me.
My Turn (for us)
http://myturn-evelyn.blogspot.com/
Thanks

Rose :: FineCraftGuild.com said...

I am actually coming to your site from the FOLLOWER linky blog hop, and am following you ! :-) Will you follow me back?? Thank you so much when you do.

PLUS: There is also a party on our blog, where you can feature 'your best creative work'. There are some great projects to see already, but we want to see your work!

Use this link both to FOLLOW and to PARTY:
http://www.FineCraftGuild.com/party/

Hope to seeing you around!!
Have a happy, creative day!

Unknown said...

How awesome! I may have to try it with my daughter even though she's much too old for this type of fun, she might do it with me. Con-Man looks like he had a lot of fun. So glad I found your blog through the linky party. I hope you'll stop by if you have a chance.

Hugs, LisaKay
Belles Roses Romantiques

Simply Tasheena said...

He looks like he is having so much fun!

PS: I am your newest Linky follower.

Mrs. Delightful
ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

Carolyn at Moose Mouse Creations said...

Love the stuff...it still amazes me every time. Oh, and the kids like it too! I found you on the linky blog hop and I'm your newest follower. I hope you can drop by Moose Mouse Creations and follow me too!