Oobeck Pressure Lesson

The Oobleck Pressure Lesson is a lesson created to show 3rd through 5th graders how touch and pressure affect different items. It is created to allow students to have a fun activity with oobleck exploring how oobleck reacts to squeezing and hitting vs gentle pushing on it.

Tools:

1. bowls (min 4)
2. screwdriver
3. flat object (wood or a book)
4. measuring spoons
5. spoons for stirring
6. small weighted object (fishing weight)

Resources:

1. Corn starch
2. water
3. (optional) food coloring
4. paper towels / gloves

You will need to make a batch of Oobleck to do the metal drop. Also to help figure out the ratio of water and corn starch that is good for you

Another thing that needs to be done is measuring the amount of cornstarch and water you will you. The ratio for oobleck varies but tends to be more corn starch than water

You will also need to compact cornstarch by compressing it with another bowl.

To begin We will give a demonstration with a screwdriver and a piece of wood or another flat object you have access to like a book. They will each be pressed onto either someone or a flexible material where it can be seen that is was pressed against this is done to explain pressure and how it if affected by area and force.

The next step is the metal drop where a small weighted object is dropped onto some water, compacted cornstarch, and premade Oobleck. Ask the kids to touch the corn starch and ask what it feels like then drop the metal weight into the container. After asking the kids what they say repeat this process with water and then the oobleck.

After the demonstration is completed split the kids into manageable groups and give then paper towels or gloves to make sure they don't get messy. Then hand each group a bowl of corn starch and water but tell them to wait till given instructions.

Have the kids carefully put the cornstarch from their bowl into the water bowl. Then have students mix it with spoons they have been given. If the oobleck is to liquid then add more corn starch if the oobleck is to hard add a little bit of water.

While stirring you can add food coloring to change the color of the oobleck but it is not nessecary.

Allow the kids to play with the oobleck now that they have made their own.

This was the entire lesson taught to 3rd through 5th graders about how pressure works with a fun activity of playing with Oobleck.