Oobleck at Different Ages
Books for Kids
- Bartholomew and the Oobleck
- Oobleck-GEMS Book
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Oobleck: Toddlers
Oobleck can be a fun science activity for people of all ages. We provide these generalizations as guidelines about what children at different ages might do during Oobleck explorations at the Discovery Center’s Experiment Station, in the kitchen at home, or at school. Listed below are science and technology process skills that children may be practicing during their explorations. Please remember: each child develops at a different rate, so some children in each age group may be able to do some of the things described in the age group before or after their own.
How might toddlers explore Oobleck?
Explore and Observe - Toddlers
Toddlers can touch and squeeze the Oobleck. Grownups can encourage toddlers to describe how Oobleck looks and feels as they play.
Toddlers can slap the Oobleck with their hand, and see if it splatters.
Toddlers can try to pick up some Oobleck, and work at keeping it in their hands, without it dripping through their fingers.
Hint: keep squeezing the Oobleck to keep it from oozing!
Use Tools & Explore Materials- Toddlers
Many toddlers will enjoy mixing their own Oobleck- a grown-up can measure and pour the cornstarch and water into a large bowl, and let toddlers mix it with a large spoon, or just let them use their hands!
Toddlers can use plastic or wooden tools to pick up, move, and press on the Oobleck mixture.
Toddlers can try to ‘drive’ plastic tool through the sea of Oobleck and feel the resistance of the Oobleck.
Toddlers can try using pipettes or spoons to add small amounts of water to their Oobleck mixture and describe what happens to the water.
Conversely, toddlers can try adding more cornstarch to their Oobleck (one small spoonful at a time).
Very Special Clean Up - Toddlers
Remember our special clean-up instructions!
Oobleck can clog your sink drains, if not disposed of properly! To clean up, rinse off your infant’s hands, and any tools/containers used, in a bowl filled with water. Then let the bowl sit for several hours, or overnight.
In the morning, all of the cornstarch will have settled to the bottom of the bowl. You can then pour off the water into the sink, but make sure to dump the remaining Oobleck (which will be at the bottom) into the trash.