Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon Borax powder
- 1 tablespoon white school glue (such as Elmer’s glue)
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- Food coloring (optional)
- Measuring spoons
- Two mixing cups
- Stirring sticks or a spoon
- Disposable gloves (optional for cleanliness)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Borax Solution
In a small mixing cup, add 1/2 cup of warm water. Slowly stir in 1 tablespoon of Borax powder, mixing until it dissolves completely. This solution will help form the polymer chains that make the bouncy ball elastic.
Step 2: Mix Glue and Cornstarch
In a separate cup, pour 1 tablespoon of white school glue. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch and stir well. Cornstarch helps give the ball structure and make it more solid rather than gooey.
Step 3: Add Food Coloring
If you want a colorful bouncy ball, mix in a few drops of food coloring into the glue and cornstarch mixture. Stir until the color is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Slowly pour the glue mixture into the Borax solution. Do not stir immediately; let it sit for about 10-15 seconds. You’ll notice the glue mixture starting to solidify.
Step 5: Stir and Knead the Ball
Begin stirring the mixture until it starts clumping together. Once it becomes difficult to stir, use your hands to remove the forming ball from the liquid. Knead it in your hands until it firms up and is no longer sticky.
Step 6: Shape the Ball
Roll the ball between your palms to make it round and smooth. The more you roll and press it, the better it will hold its shape.
Notes
Even though this project doesn’t involve cooking, it’s important to handle Borax with care. Avoid ingestion and wash hands thoroughly after handling the materials.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes