Oobleck Experiment – Everything You Need to Know!

Tips on Making and Disposing Oobleck

What color to use? Making oobleck is so simple, it only takes a few minutes! When adding color, I prefer to use diluted liquid watercolor because it is washable! Using it prevents stubborn stains that are more likely with food coloring. When mixing in the color, I like to add the color first to the water as it is easier to mix in!

Should I use a 1:1 ratio? Lots of recipes will say to do a one to one ratio of corn starch to water. However, since I add the color into the water, I prefer to slowly add the water into the corn starch mixture. Stop adding the water when the mixture can be squeezed into a solid and then turns into a liquid when your palm is open.

Mixture too soupy or too hard? If your mixture is not turning into a solid when squeezed, just add a little more corn starch. If your mixture is too hard and not turning into a liquid when held in a relaxed hand, then add a little water!

Tips on Making and Disposing Oobleck

What color to use? Making oobleck is so simple, it only takes a few minutes! When adding color, I prefer to use diluted liquid watercolor because it is washable! Using it prevents stubborn stains that are more likely with food coloring. When mixing in the color, I like to add the color first to the water as it is easier to mix in!

Should I use a 1:1 ratio? Lots of recipes will say to do a one to one ratio of corn starch to water. However, since I add the color into the water, I prefer to slowly add the water into the corn starch mixture. Stop adding the water when the mixture can be squeezed into a solid and then turns into a liquid when your palm is open.

Mixture too soupy or too hard? If your mixture is not turning into a solid when squeezed, just add a little more corn starch. If your mixture is too hard and not turning into a liquid when held in a relaxed hand, then add a little water!

If I make all the colors in one bin, will they mix up? Yes they will! To avoid all of your beautiful colors immediately combining into a green or brown, use separate containers. One of my kids favorite. setups was when I made only the primary colors in separate bins and then they experimented with color mixing and creating secondary colors.

What if my kid tastes the oobleck? When using food coloring, oobleck is taste-safe. However, your child will quickly realize it tastes disgusting! As with all sensory bases, do not encourage tasting and always supervise.

How do I clean oobleck up? For these types of activities, it’s best if you set them up outside for easy clean up. I literally just hose everything down. It is safe for the grass. If playing outdoor is not an option, place some towels on the ground. Mix what is left of the oobleck with enough hot water to completely dilute it. With the water running in the sink, add small amounts of the mixture at a time to avoid the cornstarch from re-solidfying and clogging the drain. For oobleck on the floor, it can be easily wiped up or vacuumed when dried.

Can I store oobleck for later? Yes, you can store it in an air tight container. However, the cornstarch will separate from the water so it will have to be remixed. Discard if black dots are visible as this is mold.

How do I clean oobleck up? For these types of activities, it’s best if you set them up outside for easy clean up. I literally just hose everything down. It is safe for the grass. If playing outdoor is not an option, place some towels on the ground. Mix what is left of the oobleck with enough hot water to completely dilute it. With the water running in the sink, add small amounts of the mixture at a time to avoid the cornstarch from re-solidfying and clogging the drain. For oobleck on the floor, it can be easily wiped up or vacuumed when dried.

Can I store oobleck for later? Yes, you can store it in an air tight container. However, the cornstarch will separate from the water so it will have to be remixed. Discard if black dots are visible as this is mold.

• Water for mixture
• Water for separate hand-washing bin

• Corn Starch
• Liquid Watercolor or Food Coloring 
• Water for mixture
• Water for separate hand-washing bin

Step 3

Gradually add the water to the corn starch, but do not add all at one time. You’ll want to slowly mix it in so as not to add too much water. The mixture is ready when it becomes a solid in your hand when you squeeze it and then a liquid when you relax your palm.

Step 4

Place a bucket of water nearby for a quick hand-washing station!

Step 1

Place 1 cup of corn starch in a bowl.

Step 2

Measure 1 cup of water and add in your color.

Step 3

Gradually add the water to the corn starch, but do not add all at one time. You’ll want to slowly mix it in so as not to add too much water. The mixture is ready when it becomes a solid in your hand when you squeeze it and then a liquid when you relax your palm.

Step 4

Place a bucket of water nearby for a quick hand-washing station!

Educational Benefits of This Oobleck Experiment

Yes, even creative messy play can be educational for your kids! Making oobleck is a fun science experiment, sensory experience, and allows for great opportunities to learn colors and strengthen fine motor skills!

Did you know that sensory play can cause the brain to make new connections and grow? This is one of the many reasons I love sensory play! Add some cups and spoons and this will also help your child strengthen their fine motor skills. See our full list of sensory activities for more sensory play ideas!

Older kids can enjoy making the oobleck, experimenting with the amount of corn starch to water to make the perfect non newtonian fluid. They will be amazed to see how the mixture. can be both a solid and a liquid at the same time.

If you makes lots of oobleck, you could even try to walk on top of it! Kids will see that if they walk quickly it will stay solid, but if they walk slowly, their feet will sink into the liquid!