What is Goop Activity

2nd Grade PSI Science

Teacher’s Notes

Background:

“Goop” or “oobleck” is a non-Newtonian liquid. It changes its viscosity- how the liquid flows, based on how much pressure you apply. (The name Oobleck comes from the Dr. Seuss book, Bartholomew and the Oobleck.) If you slap the oobleck it behaves like a solid and does not move. If you gently pour it, however, it flows like water.

Materials (per group):

  • 16oz. box of cornstarch
  • 1 cup of water
  • food coloring
  • large bowl
  • Goop Worksheet

Procedure:

  1. Pour cornstarch into the bowl. Encourage students to investigate the properties of the cornstarch (color, texture, etc.).
  2. Add food coloring of choice to water. Add water slowly, mixing with hands as you go. The final product should be thick like honey and pulls a bit when you drag your hand across the top. Add more cornstarch if too runny and more water if it too thick.
  3. Ask students to predict whether the substance is a liquid or solid (record on worksheet).
  4. Students can follow exercises on Goop Worksheet to investigate properties.
  5. Students can bring samples of Goop home in a bag or a small cup.
  6. To clean up, simply wash hands with water. Wipe up dried cornstarch with dry paper towel and follow with damp sponge. Do not pour Goop down the drain! It is best to throw extra away if students are not bringing it home.

Optional Extension (cross-curricular):

  • Read Bartholomew and the Oobleck
  • Respond to prompt: Imagine you were in a pool of oobleck. Write a paragraph explaining the best way to get out of it. Encourage students to use knowledge oobleck properties within writing.

What is Goop ActivityName: ______

2nd Grade PSI Science

Introduction:

Solids and liquids are made of matter. A solid has a certain shape and size. Solids change shape by cutting or breaking. Most solids feel hard or soft.

A liquid takes up a certain amount of space, but it does not have a certain shape. It takes the shape of its container. Liquids can flow, be poured, and spilled. Most liquids feel wet.

Is Goop a solid or liquid? Do the following tests to test your hypothesis (a good guess).

Hypothesis:

I think Goop is a ______because

______

______.

Experiment:

Do the following tests on the goop. Circle whether it acts like a solid or a liquid.

Solid / Liquid
Test 1 / Can you pour the goop? / no / yes
Test 2 / Can you pick up the goop? / yes / no
Test 3 / Can you shape the goop into a ball? / yes / no
What happens?
Test 4 / Slowly poke your finger into the goop
Test 5 / Slap the goop with your hand.
Test 6 / Squeeze the goop in your hand.
Test 7 / Gently toss the goop.

How did goop behave like a solid?

How did goop behave like a liquid?

Conclusion:

I think Goop is a ______because ______.

Grade PSIMatter and Its Interactions