Ask Ollie
Squeeze-and-Drip Goo Tray
Here's one to try together!
Is it a solid? Is it a liquid? Squeeze it and find out with Ollie!
Reviewed by our team.
Safety first
- not edible; do not let children eat it
- young children need close adult supervision
- dry cornstarch powder can spill and needs sweeping
- food coloring may stain
- mess can dry and harden if not wiped up promptly
What you need
- Cornstarch, about 2 cups
- Water, about 1 cup
- Plate or tray, 1 tray
- Food coloring, 1 drop (optional)
- Towel, 1 damp cloth and 1 dry towel
- Clear cups, 1, for the water
How to do it
Grown-up prep: Lay out a tray on a washable surface and keep a damp cloth and a dry towel nearby. This goo is not food, so stay close the whole time, especially with little ones who like to taste things.
- Pour the cornstarch into the tray.
- Slowly add the water to the cornstarch. Ask: What do you think will happen when the water goes in?
- Add one drop of food coloring if you like.
- Stir with your fingers until it is smooth.
- Squeeze a handful in your fist.
- Open your hand and watch it drip. Ask: Where did the ball go? Is it hard or runny now?
- Try poking it fast, then slowly.
- Now show a friend, or make more goo! What will you test next? Ask: Who do you want to show the squeeze-and-drip trick to?
Play it again
- Color swap: make a new batch with a different food coloring drop and see if it acts the same.
- Ball challenge: roll the goo fast in your palms and count how long it stays round.
- Speed test: poke the goo as fast as you can, then as slow as you can, and compare.
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