Fireworks Oobleck: A Study of Non-Newtonian Fluids
Learn How to Make an Exploding Sensory Bin of Goop Plus the Science Behind Non-Newtonian Fluids and Fireworks
Plus get Free Homeschooling Resources for learning about the United States Fourth of July Independence celebration.
The Science Behind Oobleck
Have you and your kids ever played with fireworks oobleck? It’s a non-Newtonian fluid, which means it’s both a liquid and a solid!
Other non-Newtonian fluids are slime, ketchup, and cold caramel ice cream topping.
Who knew you could study viscosity, shear rate, and the continuum mechanics of physics with ketchup?! 🤯 (Ketchup becomes runnier when shaken, which is why we shake the bottle first!)
Watch this Crash Course for Kids video for a quick introduction to non-Newton fluids and oobleck.
Fireworks Oobleck Sensory Play
This fireworks oobleck activity is perfect for helping your kids improve their focus and interoception (or body awareness).
Find out why sensory play is so important to your child’s development and check out our other sensory activities.
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Fireworks, the 4th of July, and Oobleck Book List:
Oobleck was first named by Dr. Seuss in his book, Bartholomew and the Oobleck. In the story, King Derwin of Didd asks his royal magicians to create a new type of precipitation when he becomes bored with rain and snow. Another popular name for oobleck is “goop”.
The Story of America’s Birthday by Patricia Pingry tells about the first Fourth of July celebration in America when the Thirteen colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. Best for preschool to 3rd grade.
Mix Up Some Taste-safe Fireworks Ooblek with Just 3 Ingredients!
Ingredients Needed for Fireworks Oobleck
- 3 cups cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups to 2 cups of water
- packet of Pop Rocks Candy (your local dollar store probably has these)
Put the cornstarch into a large bowl or plastic tub. (We doubled the recipe and put it in a plastic storage tub.) Slowly add the water and stir until mixed together. Add a few Pop Rocks at a time while playing with the oobleck. Let the Pop Rocks explode in your hands for extra fun!
When you’ve finished playing with your oobleck, scrape it out of the bowl or tub into the trash. DO NOT PUT IT DOWN THE SINK DRAIN! It’ll clog your sink! ACK!
Get a FREE printable copy of the recipe PLUS 5 fireworks coloring pages in our Free Resource Library Look under “Summer Time Printables”
More Fireworks & The 4th of July Resources to Create a Unit Study
An American Flag Mini Unit Study
United States Flag Lapbook & Printables
Fireworks and the Fourth of July Mini Unit
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Need even MORE EASY & INEXPENSIVE ACTIVITIES to make your summer more fun? 🏖🌞⭐️🍧🤸♀️
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