Oobleck

[imacacher]

If I get really creative, and if my kiddos are REALLY good, we're making oobleck. I know the recipe, but does anyone have any recommendations on making enough for 22 kiddos? Make one BIG batch and divide it up (will it divide??) Make smaller batches? Any suggestions on sending it home, or should I just throw it all out?

Does the food coloring stain their hands???

I made this about 15 years ago when I was a kid, but I don't remember the details. There was NO WAY I could have done it with last year's class, so this will be a first!

Any help is appreciated!

 

[Laura]

OObleck

I would have each child make their own. Let them explore. Don't have them take it home. You will get too many calls!! I did not notice the food coloring staining their hands (i put in that).

 

[tia]

oobleck

mix the color with the water for even distribution of color.

depends on age of kids (since you're calling them kiddos, i'll guess they're young). i teach 6th and make mine myself (of course, because i always do the GEMS "lie" about how i have a friend at NASA who let me have some of this stuff from the new planet that was discovered--"you all watch the news and read the newspaper...you've heard of the new planet that was discovered" wink, wink--they all nod, not wanting to see ignorant--and i make them think that they are really working with something from another planet--a few of them get it, but don't let on.)

no matter what your recipe, you'll still have to adjust--i usually mix a box with a little water until i get the consistency right. i have some big, flattish tubs--i make one tub for each group of four. the longer it sits out and the more they "play" with it, it dries out and needs more water---DO NOT try to stir it, though--lift it and let water soak under.

i wouldn't send it home with them because it will just dry out. i would send home the "recipe" and a warning to not put it down the sink, as it will clog.

 

[MommyTN]

oobleck

This is so much fun! I think you'd be best off doing small batches. I tried making one big batch last year and it was a pain. We sent some home in gladware containers but it's probably pointless because it dries out so easy. I let mine color it with washable markers so it didn't stain their hands. Have fun!

 

[imacacher]

Thanks!

I think I need to experiment tonight and then make my final decision!

I didn't think about not putting it down the drain either! Good point!!

I teach second, but for time's sake, I'll probably make it myself. If I made for boxes, each group of 4/5 could have some...The plan is to do this last thing tomorrow, so we'll see.

Any other thoughts/suggestions are appreciated!

 

[imacacher]

Drying out?

How quickly does it dry out?????

Can I make it tonight, keep it sealed and then play with it tomorrow???

 

[tia]

ziplock bag

kept in a sealed bag should be okay---but i always try to plan mine after a recess so i can reshuffle--add more water, stir, whatever at the last minute if i need to.

no fun saying, look at this cool stuff! oh wait, i've got to add more water to it!

 

[imacacher]

Fun!

I made a small batch and we had a good time with it. Just like I remember from when I was a kid. My boyfriend's never seen it!!

I do have one very GREEN hand .

In looking at my schedule, I think I can do it right after lunch.

Thanks for everyone's help!

 

[Sharon D. W.]

Oobleck - Dr. Seuss

I used this when I had a 2/3 class and just made one middle size tub of it. And allowed groups of 3-4 to use it one group at a time. If I ever taught grade 2 again I'd make 4-6 tubs and have 4 per group at a time. Don't forget the book Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss...

sdwl

 

[Jackie2]

How?

Please share the recipe with me! I've heard great things about it, but don't know what it is or how to make it.
Thanks!

 

[ClaireDeLune]

I'm with Jackie2

What's oobleck? I've never heard of that before.

Thanks in advance,

Bren.

 

[Tounces]

re bren

Its from the book Bartholmew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss
A great way to teach early grade schoolers about solids and liquids is with Oobleck. Oobleck is a non-Neutonian fluid. This means that when a small amount of force is used, it acts like a liquid, but when more force is applied, it acts like a solid. For instance, one can slowly put a spoon in Oobleck, but it is impossible to stir it quickly. Another fun activity (though potentially messy!) is to pour a little Oobleck in the palm of your hand and watch it puddle like a liquid. Now make a fist and quickly open your hand. The Oobleck will have formed a hard ball from the pressure of your fist; but when the pressure is release, it will seem to "melt" into a liquid again.

 

[Tounces]

recipe Jackie2

Oobleck:
I would recommend making about a quart for 25-30 students, but the amount really doesn't matter.

1/2 quart water
about 2 boxes cornstarch
food coloring

Put the water and food coloring in a large bowl and begin adding the corn starch and mixing. Eventually the mixture will get thicker; keep adding and stirring. You will know when you have Oobleck!

 

[ClaireDeLune]

Oobleck -- I'll Have to Remember That

Thanks Tounces!

That really clears that up. I've never read that Dr. Seuss book. I'm going to have to look for it at my library. I bought my nephew The Cat in the Hat and want to get him Green Eggs and Ham. I'll put that book on his list. He's only two, so he wouldn't understand the concept of oobleck yet, but I'm sure he'd love to play with it in the future.

Bren

 

[Jackie2]

Thanks!

I'm going to buy the ingredients and try this. I think my kiddos will love this!

 

[imacacher]

No time for details right now...but it was a diaster!

My kids (I'm shocked!) for the most part, HATED IT! Apparently, my group is a bunch of clean freaks, and they wanted it OFF of their hands ASAP.

Now..they didn't care about hte oobleck in their desks, on their chairs, clothing, all over the floor, but on their hands, GASP!

 

[john]

Oobleck audio

There is a fantastic audio book of Bartholemew and oobleck.

I would also make sure the kids get to act out the arrival of the magic men.

www.Time4Learning.com