Ingredients

Ingredients:

To make one medium-sized eco-friendly bouncy ball, you’ll need:

1 tablespoon cornstarch (a natural polymer)
2 tablespoons white school glue (preferably biodegradable or plant-based glue)
½ teaspoon baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
1 tablespoon natural food coloring (optional, but use plant-based or natural dye for eco-friendliness)
1 teaspoon vinegar (for reaction with baking soda)
Warm water (as needed)
Small bowls or disposable cups for mixing
Wooden craft stick or spoon for stirring
Rubber gloves (optional but recommended)
Plastic wrap or wax paper (for shaping and drying)

Instructions

Preparation: Step 1: Prepare Your Work Surface

Start by laying down wax paper or newspaper to keep your workspace clean. This also helps with easy cleanup and prevents the eco-friendly glue and cornstarch mixture from sticking to surfaces.

Step 2: Create the Glue Mixture

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of biodegradable white glue with a few drops of natural food coloring. Stir until the color is evenly distributed. This mixture will serve as the base of your bouncy ball and will help create the polymer structure.

Step 3: Add the Cornstarch and Baking Soda

Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the colored glue mixture. Stir slowly to begin incorporating the cornstarch into the glue. Then add ½ teaspoon of baking soda and continue stirring. The baking soda will later react with the vinegar, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that help expand the polymer network.

Step 4: Trigger the Reaction

Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to the mixture. You should notice some fizzing as the vinegar reacts with the baking soda. Stir vigorously as the ingredients begin to thicken. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes difficult to manage with a stick and starts forming a semi-solid blob.

Step 5: Knead and Shape

Using your hands (wear gloves if desired), knead the mixture into a ball. This process may take a few minutes. Kneading helps align the polymers, giving the ball elasticity and bounce. Continue kneading and shaping until you achieve a smooth, round ball. If the mixture is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more cornstarch. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water or glue.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes