It’s liquid, it’s solid, wait, no! It’s Oobleck Slime!
My toddler constantly asks me to make slime. I have to be honest: it’s not my favourite activity.
Slime-making is gross, messy, and sometimes, its ingredients are really questionable.
Don’t get me wrong: I’m all about sensory-driven, kid-friendly activities. I don’t mind a fun mess every once in a while, but some slime-making sessions just aren’t worth the effort.
Cornstarch + Water = Oobleck!
Recently, my teen niece (who was once a slime expert herself – hehe!) suggested I make “Oobleck” with my toddler.
“Oobleck? What the heck is Oobleck?” I asked.
That’s when my niece explained the recipe: a cornstarch and water mixture that, when mixed together, forms a gooey consistency that’s both solid and liquid at the same time.
Once she explained the science behind Oobleck, I was brought back to my very own childhood. Of course I knew all about this ooey-gooey recipe. I used to make it all the time when I was a little one. I just never called it Oobleck!
Why Is It Called “Oobleck?”
The name Oobleck comes from Dr. Seuss’ book, “Bartholomew and the Oobleck.” In the story, Oobleck is a slimy green substance that falls from the sky and creates chaos within the story’s kingdom.
Benefits of Oobleck Slime
One of the best parts about oobleck slime is that you most likely have everything you need to make it! Its base is made up of two ingredients: cornstarch and water. Yup, that’s it!
We opted to add food colouring to ours, but that’s totally optional. (Also, watch out! Because playing with coloured Oobleck can temporarily stain your hands!)
Another thing I love about Oobleck is that it’s a borax-free slime. Sure, it doesn’t have the exact consistency of modern-day slime, but it’s still something that the kids love digging into!
How to Make Oobleck Slime
Just below is the super simple Oobleck recipe – and yes, this is totally slime without borax! Win-win for us moms, right?!
Oobleck slime requires a 2:1 ratio, meaning that you will need double the amount of cornstarch to the water you’ll be using.
Keep on reading for the exact recipe!
Oobleck Slime
Materials
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 drops food colouring colour of your choosing
- ¼ cup cornstarch
Instructions
- Pour water into a small container and add food colouring.
- Mix water and food colouring until it is completely tinted.
- Add cornstarch and combine – you may feel the mixture “pull” as you stir, but this is normal. Keep on mixing until everything is well-combined.
- Have fun!
Leave a Reply