Have you ever wondered How To Make Oobleck at home? Inspired by the Dr. Seuss book “Bartholomew and the Oobleck,” this oobleck recipe is a fantastic and budget-friendly way to engage kids in a fun kitchen science experiment!
School holidays or rainy days can be a challenge to keep children entertained. Instead of resorting to screens, why not try a hands-on activity that’s both educational and exciting? Making oobleck is the perfect solution! It’s a simple project that uses common household ingredients and provides hours of sensory fun for kids of all ages.
I initially thought of making salt dough with my kids, a reliable favorite, but they were looking for something new and exciting. That’s when I introduced them to the wonders of oobleck! Yes, it can get a little messy, but trust me, the laughter and learning are absolutely worth it. Even my youngest at 6 and my oldest nearing 12 were completely captivated and eager to get their hands gooey.
For parents mindful of expenses, you’ll be happy to know that this oobleck recipe is incredibly affordable. You most likely already have the necessary ingredients in your kitchen pantry!
What Exactly is Oobleck?
If you’re a Dr. Seuss enthusiast, you’re probably already familiar with oobleck. But for those who aren’t, I highly recommend reading “Bartholomew and the Oobleck.” It’s a delightful and humorous story with a valuable lesson.
In brief, the story revolves around a king who desires something different to fall from the sky and summons his royal magicians. They conjure up “oobleck,” a peculiar green substance that rains down, creating a sticky, gooey, and gloppy mess all over the kingdom and its inhabitants.
The story subtly teaches us to be careful what we wish for. Fortunately, the king’s clever pageboy, Bartholomew, saves the day by prompting the king to utter some simple magic words.
To enhance the oobleck-making experience, consider getting a copy of the book. It beautifully complements the activity and adds a literary dimension to the fun!
Simple Oobleck Ingredients and Supplies
You only need two main ingredients to whip up this oobleck recipe: cornstarch and water! For a basic batch, start with 1 ½ cups of cornstarch and 1 cup of water.
If you want to add a splash of color, I suggest using tempera paint rather than food coloring to avoid any potential staining, especially on little hands and clothes.
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As for equipment, a large mixing bowl is all you’ll need. Forget the spoon – you’ll be mixing with your hands! You might also want to protect your workspace with an inexpensive plastic tablecloth because things are about to get wonderfully messy.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Oobleck
Get ready for some delightful mess! Both you and your kids might end up covered in oobleck goo by the end of this experiment, but it’s the kind of mess that’s pure fun.
It’s a blast to play with, simple to clean up, and washes out of clothing effortlessly!
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So, how exactly do you make oobleck? You can’t just stir it with a spoon; you have to dive in with your hands and manipulate it until you achieve the perfect consistency. But trust me, you’ll enjoy this process just as much as the kids do!
The Magic of Oobleck: A Non-Newtonian Fluid
The most fascinating aspect of oobleck is its unique nature – it’s neither a liquid nor a solid. It’s actually a suspension, scientifically known as a non-Newtonian Fluid. This means it behaves like a liquid or a solid depending on the pressure applied to it.
Try this: Grab a handful of oobleck and squeeze it tightly in your palm. You’ll notice it solidifies into a ball. But as soon as you open your hand, it will ooze and flow through your fingers like a liquid.
This bizarre sensation is incredibly captivating – you’ll be tempted to play with this oobleck slime for hours yourself!
Simple 2-Ingredient Oobleck Recipe
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If you want to learn how to make oobleck at home, just like in “Bartholomew and the Oobleck” by Dr. Seuss, this oobleck recipe tutorial is perfect for you! It’s super affordable and a fantastic kitchen science experiment.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Category: DIY & Crafts
Project Type: American
Yield: Makes 2 cups of oobleck
Equipment:
- Optional: “Bartholomew and the Oobleck” book
Materials:
- 2 cups cornstarch (plus extra as needed)
- 1 cup water
- Optional: 3 tablespoons green tempera paint (or more/less for desired color)
Instructions:
- Start by mixing 1 ½ cups of cornstarch with 1 cup of water in a bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of green tempera paint if you want colored oobleck. Adjust paint quantity to achieve your preferred shade, or omit for white oobleck.
- Mix the ingredients using your hands. Adjust consistency by adding more cornstarch or water as needed. Note: Humidity and altitude can affect the ratio, so you might need slightly more cornstarch in humid conditions or at higher altitudes. The right consistency is similar to honey or molasses, and it should “tear” or resist when you quickly drag your fingers across the surface.
- Store oobleck in an airtight container to reuse. If separation occurs, simply remix to restore its unique properties.
Tips and Notes:
Important Safety Note: Oobleck is not edible and should be kept away from mouths. Supervise young children during play. Protect your play area with a plastic tablecloth for easier cleanup!
Did you try this project? Leave a comment and tag @unsophisticook on social media!
Copyright © 2010–2025 Unsophisticook | Tara Kuczykowski
Frequently Asked Questions About Oobleck
Have more questions? Ask in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you ASAP!
Can I make oobleck without cornstarch?
Unfortunately, wheat flour won’t work for oobleck. However, you can use other starchy flours as substitutes for cornstarch, such as corn flour, arrowroot flour, or potato starch.
Corn flour and arrowroot flour can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a cornstarch replacement. Potato flour might require a bit more to achieve the desired consistency.
How should I store oobleck?
Oobleck can be stored in an airtight container for about 24 hours. After this time, mold may start to develop.
If you notice the water and cornstarch separating, just mix them back together and adjust the consistency with a bit more cornstarch or water if needed.
For longer storage, let oobleck dry out completely in an open container for 2-3 days. To rehydrate and play again, simply add water and mix until it returns to its original state.
What’s the best way to dispose of oobleck?
Never pour oobleck down the sink! It can solidify and cause clogs. Instead, seal oobleck in a zip-top bag or plastic grocery bag and throw it in the trash.
Alternatively, let it sit until the water separates, pour off the excess water (away from drains if possible), and then discard the solid oobleck in the trash.
Explore More Fun: 4-Ingredient Rainbow Glitter Slime Recipe
If your kids are fascinated by oobleck, they’ll also love making this easy glitter slime recipe! It only requires four simple ingredients and contains NO borax.
Package it in a container for a fantastic DIY gift that guarantees hours of entertainment.
Did you try making this recipe? I’d love to see your oobleck creations! Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can see them. Have fun!
