Preschool Science: Oobleck

The next lesson in our preschool science was about non-newtonian oobleck. Actually, I wanted them to discover wheat flour properties verses corn flour properties. Obviously, I wouldn’t be going into this in huge detail. I mean, they are only 2 and 4. But it is interesting that two flours which look so similar behave in a completely different way.

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Preschool Science: Polymers Known as Oobleck

We’ve done lots of preschool science in our little science lab including a concoctions lab and a colour and fizz lab. The main science activity I wanted them to do was to handle and play with some oobleck or goop.  This is known by many names but is basically a solid that behaves like a liquid; or do I mean a liquid that behaves like a solid?  Not sure- I do know that it is a substance which is neither fully liquid or fully solid and is known as a non-Newtonian fluid.

Read More! If you’re interested, head over to one of my favourite labs using bicarb and coloured vinegar, turkey basters, test tubes, funnels and pipettes at the colour and fizz lab

This makes it a very new experience for my little scientists.  My dilemma was whether I made it before hand or let the littles make it as part of their science.  We’d done a concoctions lab just a few weeks earlier so I opted for the later. 

Find Out More! The girls thoroughly enjoyed their concoctions lab. I mean it was basically an excuse to make a huge mess without getting into trouble! What’s not to love?!

Setting The Girls Up

Each of the girls were given a tray full of corn flour and some containers with pink coloured water in them.  I gave them enough that they could make some fairly thick goop. They were so patient, but itching to get going. Both girls immediately dumped the whole container of water into the flour! Becs (2) wasn’t sure what to make of it! Abs (4), though, loved it from the very first moment. Becs asked to have her hands washed constantly, although she always went back to play with the goop. In the end, I filled a tub of soapy water and let her clean her hands whenever she wanted.

I gave them a spoon, thinking Becs might find that easier. It was a hit! Making goop and playing with goop. I love her concentration. She just loves science.

You remember the soapy water? Well they asked if they could add the bubbles to their goop. Of course, I said Yes! Becs particularly enjoyed doing that!

I know I’ve said it before, but those one hour sessions were so good for Becs.  She was completely in the moment, so things that normally bother her, noise and discomfort, seemed to phase out and become less important for that hour.  These types of free play activities are perfect for calming a fractious child.