If you've ever wanted to learn how to make oobleck at home, à la Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss, this oobleck recipe tutorial is for you! Super inexpensive and a fun kitchen science experiment...
How To Make Oobleck
Though our spring break isn't until the end of March, my kids do have the day off school today for a teacher inservice day.
Having learned my lesson after the ridiculous number of snow days we've had so far this year, I knew I needed to have a project ready that would engage them and maybe even teach them a thing or two.
My first thought was to whip out my tried-and-true salt dough recipe, but they wanted something new and different. So I decided to show them how to make oobleck! And yes, it was MESSY, but it was oh, SO much fun...
Every one of my five kids, from my 6-year-old right up to my almost 12-year-old, wanted a chance to play with it.
For those of you on a budget, you'll be thrilled that this oobleck recipe is super inexpensive. In fact, you probably have everything you need for a basic oobleck mixture sitting in your pantry already!
"It was really fun!"
This was my first time making oobleck and it worked really well!
What Is Oobleck?
While most Dr. Seuss fans are probably familiar with oobleck, for those of you that aren't, I'd encourage you to pick up a copy of Bartholomew and the Oobleck.
As with so many of his books, this is a lighthearted and fun read, with a really great moral to the story at the end.
To give a quick overview, there's an old king who wants something new to fall from the sky, so he calls on his royal magicians. They create "oobleck", a green substance that rains down. The result is a sticky, gooey, gloppy green mess that covers the entire kingdom — AND its residents.
Along the way readers realize that just maybe we should be careful what we wish for. Thankfully, the king's young pageboy, Bartholomew, saves the day by urging the king to say some simple magic words.
If you're going to show your kids how to make oobleck, picking up a copy of the book is an excellent complement to the project!
The Science Behind This Substance
The coolest thing about this slime-like substance is that it's neither a liquid nor a solid. Oobleck is actually a suspension of cornstarch and water (known as a non-Newtonian Fluid) and will behave like either, depending on the amount of pressure you apply.
Squeeze it in the palm of your hand, and it will feel like a solid ball... But when you open your hand, it will flow over and between your fingers like a liquid.
It's really the most bizarre feeling — YOU'LL want to play with this oobleck slime for hours, too!
Ingredients & Equipment
You really only need two ingredients to make this oobleck recipe — cornstarch and water! The simplest mixture to begin with is 1 ½ cups of cornstarch mixed with 1 cup of water.
If you want to add color, I recommend using tempera paint versus food coloring to prevent any staining.
As far as equipment, you'll just need a large mixing bowl. No spoon necessary! And possibly an inexpensive vinyl tablecloth to cover your workspace. Things are about to get a little sloppy...
Easy Oobleck Recipe + Printable Copy
Fair warning — this can get messy... It's possible that both you and your kids will end up covered in goo before your oobleck experiment is over! But it's the very best kind of mess.
One that's loads of fun, yet easy to clean up, AND washes out of clothes without a trace!!
How do you make oobleck? Well, you won't be able to mix it easily with a spoon. You'll have to get your hands in there and work with it until it's the right consistency.
But trust me on this, you're going to have just as much fun as the kids! Download this printable Oobleck recipe and let's get started.
2-Ingredient Oobleck Recipe
Supplies
- 2 cups corn starch plus additional as needed
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons green tempera paint (optional)
Instructions
- Start by adding 2 cups of cornstarch and 1 cup of water to a large mixing bowl, along with the green paint, if desired. 3 tablespoons is a good starting point, but you can use more or less or leave it out altogether.
- Using your hands, work the ingredients together until you achieve the proper suspension viscosity.
- Adjust the texture by adding more corn starch or water a little at a time. Mix well with your hands after each addition. You’ll know you reached the proper consistency when it feels similar to honey or molasses, yet "tears" when you drag your fingers across the surface.
Tips & Suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't see your question listed here? Leave a comment below and I will respond ASAP!
If you don't have cornstarch, you can make oobleck with another starchy flour, such as corn flour, arrowroot flour, or potato starch. Corn flour and arrowroot flour can be substituted 1:1 for cornstarch. But you may need to add additional potato flour to achieve the proper consistency.
Oobleck can be stored in an airtight container for roughly 24 hours. After this timeframe, it may start to grow mold. The cornstarch and water may start to separate as they sit, so just stir them back together and add more cornstarch or water, as needed.
For longer term storage, allow the oobleck to dry out in an open container for 2-3 days. When you're ready to play with it again, add water to restore it to the original consistency.
Oobleck should not be disposed of in the sink. Instead, seal the mixture in a ziploc bag or grocery bag, and dispose of it in your trash can.
Or let it sit for a bit until the mixture separates, pour off the excess water in the sink, and throw out the remaining sludge in your trash can.
More Fun Activities For Kids
If you enjoyed making this recipe for oobleck, you might also enjoy these other fun activities for kids:
- Simple 3-Ingredient Salt Dough (No Bake!)
- Easy 4-Ingredient Glitter Slime (No Borax!)
- DIY Easy Bake Oven Mixes (Save $$$)
Did you make this recipe?
I'd love to see how your oobleck turns out... Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!
Alyssa says
This was my first time making oobleck and worked really well! It was really fun too! I only had half a thing of corn starch, so I cut the recipe in half so just in case I need to add more I could. Thank you!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Great, so glad it worked for you! I noticed recently that not all corn starch brands at the grocery store are labeled as "pure corn starch". Wondering if that could have something to do with the issues a few people have shared? Haven't tested it yet, but I will try a few soon.
Amelia says
good made it at brownies when I used to go
Desiree says
This turned into a liquid similar to milk, not usable at all. We made a trip to the store for cornstarch and this took the whole container and so we couldn’t add more cornstarch and the whole activity couldn’t happen. Thanks.
summer says
i love playing and making this stuff but i didnt know how to make this so i was so happy i found this
elver says
im doing thsi for my science project
elver says
im doing this for my project for science
Sam says
Bad
Emily J says
This was the only recipe I looked at before diving in, but I think the ratio is off. Wish I'd read reviews first. Start with half the of water listed and go from there. I had to add 2x the cornstarch. I'm not at high altitude. Thanks for the post, though.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Thanks for the feedback, Emily! It's been a long time since we've made this, so I will retest the ratio and adjust as needed.
Chanelle says
nice
Kenna Flores says
5 stars
Fred Union Niger (F.U.N says
fun
Mary Jo says
My 10 year old grandson wanted to make this....we used 1 cup of water to start....needed to add about 1 more cup of cornstarch.... HE loved this experiment!!
Diana says
The ratio is definitely off. I hadn’t made Oobleck since I was a kid and wanted to share with my daughter while we’re stuck home with a cold. I’d used the rest of my cornstarch to make and it was soooo watery. Fortunately, baking soda worked to thicken, though it’s a little grittier than cornstarch. Definitely recommend reducing the water and adding very little amounts at a time.
(I live at 43’ above sea level, so it’s not an altitude thing.)
Millie says
I love playing with obleck
Ingrid says
Best .89 cent present from big sister
BridgetteCat says
Oh, also, mine is too wet and i'm out of cornstarch.
Tara Kuczykowski says
No problem! Just let it sit out uncovered for a bit to let some of the excess water evaporate.
BridgetteCat says
How do i clean up oobleck very quickley
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Bridgette! A warm, damp washcloth or sponge is a quick and easy way to clean up oobleck. Or you can also let it dry, in which case it will revert to cornstarch powder that can be swept or vacuumed up.
Jenny Sue says
My boys loved making this stuff!! My 10year old played with it for almost an hour!!! So much fun!!
Tara Kuczykowski says
I'm so happy to hear this, Jenny! Glad I could help you keep them entertained.
Clover says
Hi i did this and it was so much fun and my studenes loved thanks for sharing
Tara Kuczykowski says
So happy to hear this, Clover! I don't remember ever doing this in school, but I know my sister did a Dr. Seuss unit and they made oobleck in class. It was one of her favorite activities ever!
Max says
this is such a thing to make and is so wonderful
Amy J. says
Can you use regular washable paint?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Amy — I've never tried acrylic paint in it, so I'm not sure if it would change the consistency or not. If you don't have tempera paint, a few drops of food coloring to tint it will work. Don't use more than a few drops to prevent staining.
Summer W. says
My son and I did this. Don't give up if its not the right consistency. Just keep adding cornstarch. We had so much fun. Thanks for the super easy recipe.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Thanks for sharing, Summer! You're so welcome, and I'm so glad to hear you guys had fun playing with it.
Lillian says
I don't have the ingredients.
Joshua Spencer says
@Lillian, then you can’t make it :(
me says
@Lillian, why are you here then
John says
It’s very helpful for people wanting to make oobleck
Julie Trofimov says
Me and my mom tried to make it but is was water wee did everything on the list but it is not oobleck
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Julie! It sounds like you just need to continue to add more cornstarch until it reaches the proper consistency.
Quincy says
Higher altitude requires higher concentration of corn starch
Tara Kuczykowski says
Thanks for the useful information! I will add it to the instructions to help others in this situation.
Leah says
My daughter is allergic to corn. Have you tried anything else other than cornstarch? Do you think the cornstarch substitute would work?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Thanks for asking, Leah! I haven't tried them personally, but I did a quick search and turned up swapping the cornstarch for arrowroot powder or tapioca powder. If you give it a try, I'd love to hear your results. It would be very helpful for readers that are in the same situation.
Mia Angelov says
@Tara Kuczykowski, you can use potato starch - it works even better!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Ooh, thanks for the great tip!
Erin says
Hello! I’m doing a roundup of the best science experiments for preschoolers to be published in June by the North Phoenix Mom’s blog. Can I have your permission to use your experiment? We would link to your website and give you full credit. I look forward to hearing from you!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Thanks for asking, Erin! Yes, I'm fine with this with proper attribution, as you mentioned.
Suzy says
The kids will go bananas for this!
Kara says
My daughter loves playing with this stuff. I leave out the paint, and it's still fun. Truth be told, I don't mind getting my hands in it. :)
Sabrina says
I can't wait to see the expressions on my kids' faces when they see this! So much fun!!
lauren kelly says
I can't wait to make this with my kids! SO fun!
Katerina @ diethood .com says
This is awesome!! I can't wait to try it!