How to Play with Corn Starch Goo

Cornstarch goo is a fun activity for children of all ages, but it is also a neat science trick. The mixture of cornstarch and water creates a suspension, where the cornstarch does not actually dissolve but spreads out throughout the water. It can be called a Non-Newtonian liquid, as it does not follow Newton's laws of liquids because it is changed by stress instead of heat. Cornstarch goo pours like a liquid but acts like a solid, which is what makes it such an engaging texture to explore for children.

Things You'll Need

  • 5 teaspoons water
  • Bowl
  • Food coloring
  • Spoon
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Make Cornstarch Goo

    • 1

      Measure 5 teaspoons of water into a bowl. Add 2 to 4 drops of food coloring if you would like. Stir gently to mix the color into the water, adding more as needed to reach the desired hue.

    • 2

      Measure a level 1/4 cup of cornstarch and add it to the water. Swirl the bowl so the ingredients start to combine and then let it sit. After about 1 minute, stir with the spoon to be sure there are no lumps.

    • 3

      Test the consistency of the cornstarch goo. It should feel solid to the touch but pour out of the container like a liquid. Add more cornstarch or water to thicken or thin the mixture as needed.

    Play with the Goo

    • 4

      Explore the texture by poking it with a finger, trying to stir it with a spoon, or letting it drip off a spoon or your hands. Try squeezing it, rolling it, bouncing it, or spreading it around as well.

    • 5

      Watch the goo act like quicksand by putting a small plastic toy in the goo and then try to get it out. Bury your hand in goo and then try to pull it out to see the same effect.

    • 6

      To clean up the goo, place or guide it into a disposable bag and discard. Wash with water.

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