How To Make a Bouncy Ball
Polymers are used to make numerous things, including clothing, plastic containers, nonstick cookware, and bulletproof vests, to name a few. How about conducting some science experiments and turning a fun activity into a fun toy for the kiddos? How about making homemade bouncy balls? Try this super bouncy ball experiment to see how a "blob" can become your very own bouncy ball with just a few household ingredients.
(Adult supervision recommended.)
DIY Bouncy Ball Supplies
- 1 tablespoon white glue (school glue / Elmer's glue)
- 1/2 teaspoon borax powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 2 plastic cups
- 2 wooden craft sticks
- Food coloring
How to Make a Bouncing Ball
First, make the glue mixture. Pour the glue into one of the plastic cups. Add a few drops of food coloring to the glue and mix with one of the craft sticks until your desired color is achieved.
Next, make the borax mixture. In the second cup, mix 2 tablespoons of warm water with borax together and stir with the second craft stick. Stir until dissolved.
Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon of the borax solution to the glue and let stand for 15 seconds.
Stir with a craft stick until fully mixed and the mixture becomes very difficult to stir.
Mold the ball in your hands. It will be sticky at first but will become more solid as you roll it in your hands. At first, it will squish. It is kind of like playing with play dough putty until it hardens.
You now have a bouncy ball. Try bouncing it. How high does it go? Store your ball in an airtight container or Ziploc plastic bag so it doesn't dry out and crumble.