Ep 2. Walking on Oobleck

In Emily's Wonder Lab season 1 episode 2, titled "Walking on Oobleck," science educator Emily Calandrelli dives into the world of non-Newtonian fluids with a special focus on Oobleck, a substance with properties of both liquid and solid.

Emily starts off the episode by introducing the concept of non-Newtonian fluids, which aren't described by traditional laws of physics. Oobleck, named after a Dr. Seuss book, is the perfect example of a non-Newtonian fluid, as it can act like both a solid and a liquid when under different conditions.

Emily's first experiment is to create Oobleck using cornstarch and water. She explains to her young audience that Oobleck is very sensitive to pressure, so the result is a mix of both liquid and solid particles depending on how much force is applied. Emily demonstrates how Oobleck behaves by jumping onto a tub of it, which causes her feet to sink in and makes it difficult to escape.

For the next experiment, Emily provides her viewers with a closer look at the structure of Oobleck by placing it on top of a speaker and vibrating it with sound waves. She explains the science behind the phenomenon of non-Newtonian fluids and how the vibrations cause the Oobleck to act erratically. Emily also demonstrates that anyone can make Oobleck at home with basic ingredients and some fun dye colors to make it even more fascinating.

Thirdly, Emily takes it one step further and creates the ultimate non-Newtonian fluid by combining Oobleck with sand. Emily explains that while sand is traditionally a solid, this combination creates a fluid that behaves even more erratically than plain Oobleck. She uses a blend of regular sand and kinetic sand, which adds another level to the irregularities of the mixture.

Finally, Emily wraps up with a fun demonstration for kids to try at home, which is creating a DIY pair of oobleck shoes. She takes some children through the process of smearing the Oobleck mixture onto their shoes to create a temporary layer of waterproofing. Emily demonstrates how the layer repels water, much like how ducks feathers repel the wetness of the body of water they live in.

Overall, Emily's Wonder Lab "Walking on Oobleck" episode provides simple and easy-to-grasp explanations of non-Newtonian fluids and the science behind them. The episode is perfect for introducing young children to the wonders of science through a hands-on, interactive approach. The experiments are exciting and fascinating, making this episode a great way to inspire young minds to learn more about the world around them.