Simple Homemade Bouncy Balls
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Did you know you can make homemade bouncy balls?! We were super excited to try this experiment out. It is a really easy and fun science experiment to do with kids.
You just need a few things to make these diy bouncy balls. If you ever make slime, you likely have these supplies on hand already.
Download a Printable Copy of the Recipe & Instructions Now!
Bouncy balls are tons of fun. This is a science experiment. However, it is also a great activity to keep kids busy on the weekend, or in the summer. It is an awesome party activity for kids, too! Â My kids LOVE making these.
Instructions to Make a Homemade Bouncy Ball:
Ingredients for Bouncy Balls:
1/2 tsp borax (Found in laundry section)
2 Tbsp warm water
1 Tbsp liquid glue- it can be white glue, clear glue, or glitter glue. We used clear glue this time.
1 Tbsp cornstarch (or corn flour)
Liquid Watercolors or food coloring
This mixture will make just 1 ball. Increase it according to the number of bouncy balls you want to make.
In one bowl mix the borax and water with a spoon or a fork. Â Mix until mostly dissolved.
In another bowl, make the glue mixture. Add in several drops of food coloring or liquid watercolors to this mixture if desired. Pour the glue, cornstarch, and add in 1/2 tsp of the borax mixture. Do not mix, just let it sit for about 20 seconds to interact. This is where the chemical reaction is happening.
After resting, stir all of both mixtures together until fully mixed. There will be some water left over. Â Be warned, it will be a sticky mess! Keep stirring and it will thicken more.
When it gets a bit thicker and harder to mix, pull it out and knead it in your hands. It will continue to thicken and you can roll it into a ball.
Try bouncing it. It doesn’t go really high like the super bouncy balls kids are used to, but it bounces. It will smooth out more as it sits longer. Store it in a plastic bag when not being played with. Kids really enjoy making their own bouncy ball!
The Science of Making a Bouncy Ball:
When you mix together the glue and the borax, a chemical reaction occurs. The borax links to the polymer molecules in the glue. It forms long chains of molecules that stick together when you pick them up. Adding the cornstarch helps to bind the molecules together helping them to hold their shape better.
If your kids have sensitive skin that can react to borax, be sure to wear gloves.
Isn’t this simple science experiment fun?!
Another variation: add some glow powder to it!
Warning: DO NOT EAT- borax can be toxic.
Like These Homemade Bouncy Balls? Try More Fun Science Experiments for Kids:
How to Make Slime ~ The Best and Easiest Recipe
Homemade Thermometer Science Experiment
Science Experiment: How to Clean Pennies
Geology Experiment: Stalactites and Stalagmites Formation
Elephant Toothpaste: Foamy Fountain Experiment
This sounds like a LOT of fun! I’m going to have to try this one out myself. Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
Neat experiment. I’m going to pin it to my experment board! Thanks for sharing.
Tonya
those look like such fun! we’ll have to try these! thanks for linking up to tip-toe thru tuesday!
we tried bouncy balls from a kit after Christmas, they were fun for the kids! Thanks for sharing this with us at tip toe thru tuesday!
Kim
This looks like a lot of fun! Thanks so much for sharing it at Teach Me Tuesday!!
So fun! Thanks for sharing with Tuesday Tots. Pinned 🙂