It’s time to learn how to make Oobleck, but without cornstarch! All it takes is 5 minutes of your time and you’ll have a fun science experiment to do with your kids!
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What’s Oobleck?
Oobleck is a mixture that is both a solid and liquid! Scientifically known as a non-Newtonian fluid, it will act like a liquid without pressure applied to it!
However, it will harden and act like a solid when pressure is applied to it. If you press it with your fingers or hands, it’s hard and difficult to grab.
Best Substitutes for Cornstarch in Oobleck
Although traditionally made with cornstarch, it is possible to make it without! There are specific substitutes that can be used, so be sure to choose one of the following:
Baking Soda
A popular substitute, baking soda works just as well as cornstarch but will take a bit longer to set. You will find the detailed instructions for this option below.
Tapioca Powder
If you’ve run out of cornstarch, then use tapioca powder instead. Simply mix 250g of tapioca powder to 250ml room temperature water.
If this mix seems too liquidy, simply add in some extra tapioca powder.
Baby Powder
Baby powder is a great alternative but it will need to contain cornstarch to work. Mix 150g of baby powder into 75ml of water at room temperature and stir well.
If it is too liquidy then add some extra baby powder to thicken it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Oobleck with Flour?
No! Please don’t even try this! The end result will be a product that is both sticky and goeey. Stick to using cornstarch, tapioca powder or baby powder instead.
How to Make a Colorful Oobleck?
That’s easy! All you have to do is add in your favorite food coloring into the mixture. Start with a few droplets of the color you chose and stir well – add more as you go for a more vibrant result.
Can I Save Hard Oobleck?
Yes you can! Don’t worry! All you have to do is add in more cold water. Start with 1 tablespoon of water at a time to avoid the water dissolving too fast in the Oobleck recipe.
What to do if Oobleck is Too Liquid?
If your Oobleck is too watery, simply add in more of your starchy flour. Again, be sure to add it slowly as the texture can change quickly. However, you can opt to make Oobleck-slime by adding in more water.
Is Oobleck Edible?
No, and please don’t even try! Both cornstarch and starchy flour are not edible raw flours. Consuming raw flour like cornstarch, can lead to anemia and other health issues.
Is Oobleck a Solid or a Liquid?
As previously mentioned, oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid. That simply means that it is both a solid and a liquid at the same time. When you first make it, it will look like a gooey liquid, but when you apply some pressure, it will turn into a solid.
How do you Make Dr Seuss’ Oobleck?
Dr Seuss’ oobleck was bright green. So, all you have to do is add in some green food coloring into your mixture. Again, be sure to stir well to ensure that the food coloring mixes completely and you get the color you’re after!
How to Make Oobleck without Cornstarch
Ingredients
- 120 ml semi-skimmed milk
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Grab a mixing bowl and pour in the milk. Add the white vinegar and baking soda.
- You will note the solid lumps that are beginning to form. Continue to mix as the liquid solidifies for a minute.
- Strain the mixture by using a coffee filter over a glass.
- Place the mixture back in the bowl and add a ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Continue to stir until the mixture starts to resemble oobleck.
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