Oozing Oobleck: Fun With Biological Materials

Biosystems Engineers integrate biology and engineering to solve problems related to food, health, energy, and the environment. MSU’s Biosystems Engineering (BE) Club invites children of all ages to learn about the properties of biological materials, and more specifically, non-Newtonian Fluids. A non-Newtonian fluid is a fluid that changes its thickness, or viscosity, when force is applied to it. This experiment will allow children to participate in a hands-on and engaging experiment to test and learn how different starches affect the Oobleck’s texture and reaction to force and decide whether these alternative versions Oobleck can be considered non-Newtonian Fluids.