Oobleck

Okay, you’re probably wondering what in the world “Oobleck” is, right?  I was too until I made it.  I found the recipe in “365 TV-Free Activities You Can Do With Your Child” book.  My 5 and 8 year olds just loooove this stuff.  I scanned it word-for-word so you can see for yourself what it is.

Imagine the perfect play glop, non-toxic, easy to make, easy to clean, and hours of fun.  Look no further than your pantry.  All you have to do is mix cornstarch and water in the right proportions.  The resulting “oobleck” is a unique play material; the surface is hard and crusty, but scoop it up and it’s fluid enough to pass through a strainer.  As your kids mush the oobleck between their fingers, it continually changes from hard to semi-liquid, almost magically.

To make your own oobleck, simply add two parts cornstarch and one part water in a tub or dishpan. Stir the mixture until it begins to thicken.

Now let the rumpus begin.  Supply your kids with spoons, plastic shovels, funnels or various kitchen utensils (you can clean them with soap and water afterwards).  To create unusual effects, let your kids swirl in a teaspoon or two of different food colorings.  Whatever variations you try, the oobleck will endlessly transform in shape and texture, providing non-stop entertainment.

What you’ll need:

• cornstarch

• water

• kitchen/wash tub or dishpan

Optional:

• food coloring

• kitchen utensils

Tagged as: activities for kids, child activities, child recipes, children activities, children recipes, children's activities, childrens recipes, Fun Things To Do, kid recipes