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Doppler 9&10 STEM

Doppler 9&10 STEM – Oobleck!

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This is a real classic at-home science experiment that we just had to give a go. This is perfect for little ones, at-home learning, or even just a fun stress reliever!

Oobleck is what you would call a Non-Newtonian Fluid

A Non-Newtonian Fluid is just a fancy way of saying this is a fluid that behaves more like a solid when forces are applied to it. Other Non-Newtonian Fluids include slime, quicksand, and ketchup.

Oobleck is simply a mixture of cornstarch and water that acts like a liquid until enough force is applied, then it becomes a solid.

What happens is, when you apply the force quickly to the mixture is squishes the cornstarch molecules together so quickly that water molecules get trapped between them. Once you let go or stop applying force, the molecules to relax and go back to flowing around each other!

Here is what you need at home!

You Will Need:

A Bowl

Mixing Utensils

Cornstarch

Water

Food Coloring and/or Glitter for Fun!

Procedure:

  1. Grab your bowl and mixing utensil, we used a plastic spoon and add a few tablespoons of cornstarch to the bowl.
  2. Next start to add a few tablespoons of water, food coloring, and glitter if you want! The mixture will be hard to stir and the more force you apply the more it will resist you. Stir gently and slowly until the mixture looks fluid but is still solid when you quickly tap it.
  3. Tada! All done, now go get messy!

You can scale this up and make huge batches or keep it small.

If your kiddos try this experiment, send us photos of you and your experiment and you might get to see it during weather on The Four on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

Make sure you tune in every Tuesday for a New 9&10 STEM. Send us an email at weather@9&10news.com or find us on Facebook and at Doppler 9&10 Weather Team if you have a weather question or want something in science explained! It does not have to be weather-related! Anything Science or math-based we’ve got you! You can always get the latest forecast on 9and10news.com/weather as well as interact with us on social media!

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