I bleck, you bleck, we all bleck for Oobleck!

Yesterday was pretty gloomy. The clouds were low and by last night around 8 o'clock it was raining. There was no keeping the kids busy last night. It was like our house had its own full moon! After dinner I went into the kitchen, looking for something to keep them occupied. I was thinking maybe baking some cookies or maybe we could make some Jello Play Doh. However, when I saw the familiar yellow container that read Argo cornstarch on the front, I had an even better idea! We were going to make Oobleck*.

There are plenty of fun things to do with Oobleck, but first, here's what you'll need:

Newspapers

2 Cups. Cornstarch

1 Cup. Tap water

2 Drops of food coloring (optional)

Bowl

Start by covering your work area with newspapers. Whether you're preparing it by yourself, or you have little hands helping you, this is guaranteed to make a bit of a mess. Next, poor the water into the bowl. Add the food coloring. Gradually add the cornstarch to the colored water. Feel free to use your hands to mix this. Knead it like dough until it's all mixed together. 

Oobleck is fun because it's a liquid, but can act like a solid and there are some simple things you can do with it. It's great for hands on time with the kids and it's also great for sensory purposes. It's smooth, almost slimy.

Your Oobleck can be rolled into a ball. Once you've rolled it into a ball (you must rub it together quickly), let it sit in your hand with your hand flat out and watch it go from solid to liquid. It will begin to run through your fingers. While it's in the bowl, hit the Oobleck. It will harden with the force from your hand, but then if you rest your hand on it, it will sink to the bottom of the bowl. Lay it flat on the table and then you can drag your finger through it quickly. If you have some exposed speakers, use some plastic wrap to cover them, poor your Oobleck into it and turn the music up! Watch the Oobleck dance around (videos can be found on YouTube). 

When finished, Oobleck can be stored in an air tight container for later fun!

Until next time!

A

*Keep in mind that Oobleck will be mess, but remember that mess is all part of the creative process!