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Oobleck
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Oobleck is a fictional form of green precipitation invented by children's author Dr. Seuss in the book Bartholomew and the Oobleck. Oobleck was called down from the sky by a king bored with ordinary rain and snow. Oobleck proved so sticky that it gummed up the whole kingdom, which would have perished had not a page boy named Bartholomew Cubbins (previously renowned for his prolifically reproducing hats) saved the day.
The word has since been used to describe a substance that is used as a science aid to teach children about liquids and solids. This oobleck is created from cornstarch or potato flour (approximately 1 part water to 1.5–2 parts cornstarch/potato flour). Though initially it acts like a viscous liquid, applying pressure quickly will make it appear to be a solid for a short time. The oobleck also behaves unlike conventional solids or liquid when thrown in the air, molded, heated, or vibrated. Substances that become more viscous when agitated or compressed are a subset of non-Newtonian fluids called dilatants. Note that oobleck contains no preservatives and is therefore perishable.
The related Glurch is the nickname given to a polymer substance created in many middle school science courses. It consists of starch, glue and food coloring. It is used to show the process of polymerization.
- Non-Newtonian fluid experiment at YouTube on El Hormiguero (Spanish TV Show) (Spanish)
- "Oobleck Recipe", Mrs. Critchell's Kindergarten
- "Outrageous Ooze", "Science Explorer", Exploratorium
- Go with the flow: investigating bouncy fluids and other strange materials, Science Enhancement Program