Newtonian Liquids

Ever heard of Oobleck?  The word sounds like "You-blek"....and it's possibly the most interesting substance because it can't decide if its a solid or a liquid. 

When the "substance" is sitting in a bowl and you put your finger in it, your finger will slide into the goo.  But, if you take your fingers and start putting lots of pressure on the goo, it stiffens up and acts like a solid!  What is this stuff made of?

You really need to make this stuff and play with it yourself.  It's kind of messy, but promise your parents you are responsible and will clean up every little bit!

Once you have your oobleck made, punch it, squeeze it, slowly move your fingers through it.  If you like weird things, you will love this!

This is what happens on a particle level:
There are solid particles in the mixture (cornstarch plus water).  If you stir slowly, the water continues to move between the solid particles.  If you push hard on the mixture, the water is squeezed out and you are left with only solid particles. Once you take away the pressure, the water can flow back in between the solid particles and the mixture acts fluid again.

Scientists can shake the water out with sound waves. 

Shoot objects through it.

Even try to ride bikes across it!

Check your cupboards, most households use cornstarch for thickening sauces and soups. You will need to experiment with how much cornstarch to water you will need, but that's all part of the fun!