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I love having a science lab in my own kitchen! I don't really understand the physics of what’s happening when each of those balls bounces, but it sure is fun to experiment with the kids. This project was one that they loved: homemade bouncy balls! All of us were amazed at how—in just a few minutes—a handful of simple ingredients combined can make a well-loved toy. Try this one out with your kids—they’ll love it!

 

Materials

  • 1 Tbsp borax (found in the laundry section in most stores)
  • ½ cup warm water
  • ½ Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 Tbsp white school glue
  • Few drops of food coloring

Directions

  1. Dissolve the borax in ½ cup of warm water.
  2. Stir together the glue and cornstarch until thoroughly combined.
  3. Add a few drops of food coloring to the glue and cornstarch mixture and stir it in well.
  4. Pour glue mixture into water.
  5. After about 30 seconds, it will start to harden.
  6. Pull it out of the water, squish it up, and begin rolling it between your hands to form a ball. It will set as you work with it.
  7. If your mixture is too sticky, plop it back in the water for a few seconds, and then start rolling again.
  8. These balls really do bounce! However, as they sit, they can flatten—just roll them up again to get them back in shape!

bouncy-balls3

 

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Homemade Bouncy Balls!