The name “oobleck” is derived from the Dr. Seuss book Bartholomew and the Oobleck, but it is also a fun science experiment you can do with kids. Kids will learn all while doing what they do best, make a mess. Hands on learning keeps children excited about science. The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) affirms that learning science and engineering practices in the early years can foster children’s curiosity and enjoyment in exploring the world around them and lay the foundation for a progression of science learning in K–12 settings and throughout their entire lives. Hands on learning creates a better retention of what they have learned.
Oobleck is what is called a non-Newtonian Fluid. When pressure is exerted on it like punching it or scooping it up, it acts like a solid by increasing its viscosity (thickness). When there is no pressure exerted on it, it flows like a liquid. Scoop it up with a spoon like a solid and watch as it slowly melts off the spoon like a liquid. Moving slowly gives the cornstarch particles time to move out of the way. Amazing!
Key concepts for this experiment
Liquids and solids
Viscosity
Pressure
What you’ll need to make Conversation Hearts Oobleck:
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Conversation Hearts
- Food Coloring (we used red)
- Glitter
To make conversation hearts slime mix a 2:1 ratio of cornstarch to water: 2 cups cornstarch, 1 cup water. To make it colorful just add in some food coloring and glitter. 
It should not crumble, but a liquid form.
Transfer to a kid’s crafting tray
or shallow bowl for exploring and playing. Add your candy hearts and tools. Get set for some cool science!
Oobleck can be a pretty messy sensory play and is great for scientific exploration. Adding in the conversation hearts is an easy way to make this fun for Valentine’s Day, but truthfully goopy slime is perfect to play with year round!
Here’s a list of things to do with your oobleck:
- Grab a handful and squeeze it. Let it ooze through your fingers.
- Make a puddle and quickly drag your fingers through it.
- Put it into a plastic container and shake it or quickly bump it against a table.
- Jab at the oobleck and then slowly let your finger sink in.
- Roll some oobleck into a ball. It becomes solid, but when you stop moving it, it will melt back into your hand.
Things to remember with this science project:
- Store in an airtight container.
- If you put in food coloring, you may notice a little bit of color left on your hands after washing. Don’t worry. It should go away in a day or two. You can also mix in ecome lemon dish soap for scent/easier clean up.
- Oobleck isn’t poisonous, but it tastes awful. Wash your hands after playing. Make sure children are supervised.
- Wear old clothes, as oobleck tends to get messy.
- Lay a couple newspapers on the floor so it doesn’t get all over the floor or table. If it gets into carpet or furniture you can let it dry and vacuum or get really wet.
This looks like fun also. Your kids will giggle for sure.
This is a great learning idea. I teach Pre-k and my students would love this!