The Properties of Oobleck

In 4th Grade we have been studying the mysterious substance Oobleck. What is it? How does it react when we touch it, squeeze it, heat it, poke it, freeze it? What do scientists do? How do they test something and use that data to determine the properties of a substance? How do they come to consensus about the laws of a particular material?

On October 29, 2009, the scientists of the 4th Grade determined the following 3 laws of Oobleck:

1. Oobleck acts like a liquid if you let it settle in your hand, but it becomes more like a solid if you touch it.

2. Its texture changes depending on what you do to it.

3. When you lay your hand on top of it without much pressure it sinks more slowly because it has more surface area than a finger.

Parent Letter

Dear Fourth Grade Parents:

Is Oobleck a liquid or a solid? When will our mushrooms sprout mycelium? Who is the Real Thief? How are division and fractions related? These are just some of the questions we have been asking in fourth grade this week. We have been busy at work on a variety of projects across all subject areas.

Students are working hard to complete their mushroom stories and illustrations. While these are creative writing pieces they are also designed to assess students’ basic understanding of mushrooms, as they are required to include at least three mushroom facts in their stories. This week we will be checking the growth progress of our oyster mushrooms, which we “planted” in class three weeks ago. We are hoping to see a white tangle of mycelium and to be able to take the mushrooms out of the dark in a few weeks to begin the fruiting process.

We continue to read William Steig’s The Real Thief. This story poses a variety of questions about loyalty, truth, trust, and justice. I have enjoyed the lively discussions about this story as the children try to figure out which character is the real thief.

Students have also been exploring the properties of the mysterious substance, Oobleck. What is it, a liquid or solid? How does it react when touched, heated, squeezed, molded, left out to dry? What does being a scientist entail? We held a scientific convention about our Oobleck findings and came to consensus on three laws of the substance. Ask your fourth grader for details!

The weather is getting colder each day. Layering is the key so that students are prepared for the ever-changing New England weather. Also, if it is possible, please send your child in with a pair of inside shoes. This cuts down on the amount of mud that gets tracked into the classroom. Thanks!

It was a pleasure to see you all for conferences last week. Thank you for coming in to meet with me and for sharing your delightful children with me. I am enjoying my work with them immensely.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Best, Libby

Oobleck recipe: Combine 1 cup water with 5 drops food coloring. Add cornstarch until thick and goopy, about ¾ of a package. Be sure to fully stir in the cornstarch. The substance will be hard to manage. Do not pour Oobleck down the drain. You may rinse small amounts out of bowls and off of utensils.