How to Make Ooze

Science can be fun for kids with the right equipment. Ooze is a slimy substance that makes an easy science experiment to make using ingredients from your kitchen. Let your kids make their own ooze and give them the chance to observe the properties of this special substance.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 cups of cornstarch
• 1 cup of water
• Food coloring (any color)
• Mixing spoon
• 1/4 measuring cup
• Plastic bowl

1. Lay out old newspapers to protect the surfaces where you're mixing the ingredients.

2. Measure out 2 cups of cornstarch and set it aside.

3. Pour 1 cup of water into a plastic bowl. Add several drops of food coloring to make the science experiment more visual.

4. Using the 1/4 measuring cup, scoop out 3 overflowing cups of cornstarch and add to the bowl. Tap the cup against the side of the plastic bowl each time to remove all the cornstarch.

5. Take your mixing spoon and stir together all ingredients in the plastic bowl until smooth.

6. Continue adding 1/4 cups of the cornstarch to the mixture. Stir after each cup is added. Scrap the bottom of the bowl periodically to create a smooth mix. The ooze is done when it becomes hard and you can no longer stir it.

7. Have your kids pick up a handful of the ooze and have fun with it. Encourage them to notice the way it reacts when shaped as a ball, or when their hand is wide open.

Tips & Warnings

• Discuss how the ooze is a non-Newtonian fluid because it displays properties of both a liquid and a solid.
• If your ooze is too dry add a little more water, add more cornstarch if it's too watery.
• Do not attempt to pour your ooze mixture down the sink. Properly dispose of the ooze by placing in a plastic bag and putting in the trash.