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.