Description
Create your own fun and super bouncy balls using simple household ingredients like white school glue, borax, and cornstarch. This quick and easy craft recipe allows you to make colorful, stretchy, and resilient balls perfect for playtime or science experiments.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bouncy Ball
- ½ cup white school glue
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- ¼ teaspoon food coloring (optional)
For the Borax Solution
- 1 tablespoon borax powder
- ¼ cup warm water
Instructions
- Prepare the Borax Solution: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of borax powder with ¼ cup warm water. Stir until the borax completely dissolves, creating the activating solution necessary for the ball to form.
- Mix Glue and Cornstarch: In a separate bowl, combine the white school glue, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Add Color (Optional): If you want your bouncy ball to be colorful, add a few drops of food coloring to the glue mixture and mix well to distribute the color evenly.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gradually pour the borax solution into the glue mixture while stirring continuously. You will notice the mixture starting to form a solid, ball-like texture. Keep stirring until the mass firms up.
- Knead the Ball: Once the mixture begins to take shape, remove it from the bowl and knead it with your hands for 2 to 3 minutes. If it feels overly sticky, sprinkle a bit more cornstarch and continue kneading until the texture is smooth and less tacky.
- Shape the Ball: Roll the kneaded mixture into a smooth, round ball, making sure it is evenly shaped for optimal bounce.
- Let It Dry: Leave the bouncy ball out for a few hours to dry and set. After this, it will be ready for bouncing fun!
Notes
- Borax powder should be handled carefully and kept away from small children and pets.
- Adjust the amount of cornstarch to control stickiness, adding more if needed for easier handling.
- Use white school glue for best results; other types of glue may not produce the intended bouncy texture.
- The bouncy ball will last longer if stored in an airtight container when not in use.
- This activity is great for kids with adult supervision, combining crafting and basic chemistry learning.
