This week, our first-grade scientists dove into a messy, hands-on exploration of the states of matter using a fascinating Non-Newtonian fluid called “oobleck.” Named after the mysterious green goo in Dr. Seuss’s Bartholomew and the Oobleck, this mixture of cornstarch and water gave us the perfect opportunity to combine science, literacy, and writing.
Before diving into our experiment, we reviewed the states of matter and the properties of each one. We talked briefly about Isaac Newton. Newton was the scientist whose work helped us understand how liquids behave. Newton observed that most fluids flow predictably under pressure—if you pour them, they flow. These are called “Newtonian fluids.” But some substances, like oobleck, break Newton’s rules! Instead of flowing consistently, Non-Newtonian fluids change their behavior based on how much force you apply. If you squeeze oobleck in your hand it feels solid. Let it rest in your palm, and it flows like a liquid and drips through your fingers.
We mixed cornstarch and water and watched as the fun unfolded. Students poked, squeezed, scooped and smacked the goo, trying to decide whether it was a liquid or a solid. We also tried fun challenges, like slapping the surface quickly to make it feel solid or letting it drip through our fingers. These experiments gave students a hands-on understanding of how oobleck’s behavior changes with pressure.
Later in our day, we read Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss. Students loved comparing the oobleck in the story to their own creation, noting how the King’s magical goo might behave like the real-life Non-Newtonian fluid they made. After listening, we transitioned into journaling about our experiment. Students chose between fiction writing (similar to the story we had just read) or nonfiction writing about Non-Newtonian fluids. Some students answered questions like: What is oobleck made of? How does oobleck act like both a liquid and a solid? How does oobleck relate to Isaac Newton and Non-Newtonian fluids? Other students created their own creative stories about how Oobleck might affect their own town! All students worked on using their best handwriting, correct capitalization and punctuation, and writing stamina.
