Children are naturally curious and love to explore the world around them. One of the most exciting ways to foster that curiosity is through hands-on science experiments. Among the most fun and engaging science projects for kids is making bouncy balls at home. This simple yet educational experiment introduces children to basic chemistry principles, including polymers, chemical reactions, and molecular bonding.
Bouncy balls have long been a favorite toy for kids, but few understand how these tiny spheres manage to bounce so energetically. With just a few household ingredients, kids can create their own colorful, customized bouncy balls while learning how materials change when mixed. This experiment isn’t just fun—it’s a great gateway into the scientific method and the chemistry behind polymers.
Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or a curious learner, this experiment is a fantastic blend of education and entertainment, and it can be tailored for different age groups and learning levels. Let’s dive in and create our own science-powered bouncy balls!
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon of white school glue (PVA-based)
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½ teaspoon of borax powder (available at most grocery stores or online)
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2 tablespoons of warm water
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Food coloring (optional, for fun colors)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps with elasticity)
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Measuring spoons
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2 small mixing cups or disposable cups
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Stirring sticks (craft sticks or spoons)
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Rubber gloves (optional but recommended)
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Ziplock bag or airtight container (for storage)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Borax Solution
In one of your mixing cups, combine ½ teaspoon of borax powder with 2 tablespoons of warm water. Stir until the borax is completely dissolved. This forms the activating solution needed to start the chemical reaction.
Step 2: Mix Glue and Cornstarch
In a second cup, pour in 1 tablespoon of white school glue. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to this glue. Stir gently until well mixed. The cornstarch will help improve the texture and bounce of the final ball.
Step 3: Add Color (Optional)
If you want a colorful bouncy ball, now is the time to add a few drops of food coloring to your glue and cornstarch mixture. Mix until the color is even throughout. Kids love this part it’s where creativity comes in!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Slowly pour the borax solution into the glue mixture while stirring constantly. Almost immediately, you’ll notice the mixture starting to thicken and clump. Keep stirring as the ingredients react to form a rubbery mass.
Step 5: Knead and Shape
Once the mixture becomes too thick to stir, remove it from the cup and begin kneading it with your hands. It will be sticky at first, but after about a minute of kneading, it should firm up into a pliable, rubbery texture. Roll it into a ball shape with your hands. If it’s too sticky, add a tiny bit more cornstarch. If it’s too hard or crumbly, add a little more glue.
Variation:
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Glow-in-the-Dark Bouncy Balls: Use glow-in-the-dark glue instead of regular white glue for a night-time version of the experiment.
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Glitter Balls: Mix in glitter with your glue before adding the borax solution for a sparkling effect.
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Scented Balls: A drop of essential oil can add a fun, kid-friendly scent (like peppermint or orange).
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Larger Bouncy Balls: Increase all ingredient measurements proportionally, but keep an eye on consistency during kneading.
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Shape Experimentation: Use silicone molds to shape your bouncy ball into stars, hearts, or cubes before it hardens.
COOKING Note:
While this isn’t a cooking experiment, many of the same safety and measurement principles apply. Accurate measurements are important to get the right texture, and adult supervision is crucial when using chemicals like borax. Always ensure kids wash their hands after handling ingredients and playing with the finished product.
Serving Suggestions:
These homemade bouncy balls make great:
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Science fair projects
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Classroom demonstrations
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Birthday party activities
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Rainy day boredom busters
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Gifts in goody bags (stored in small containers)
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Additions to homeschool chemistry units
Tips:
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Wear gloves to prevent the glue from sticking too much to your hands.
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Store the bouncy ball in an airtight container to maintain its elasticity.
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If the ball becomes too hard or cracks, you can knead it with a drop of water to restore flexibility.
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Label each kid’s ball with their name and color for easy identification.
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Keep borax out of reach of very young children or pets it’s safe when used properly, but should never be ingested.
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Let the ball sit for 10–15 minutes after making for it to fully harden.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (reaction and kneading)
Total Time: 10–15 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 0
Protein: 0g
Sodium: Trace amounts (from borax)
FAQs:
Q: Is borax safe for kids to use?
A: In small, supervised amounts, borax is generally safe for science projects. Make sure kids do not ingest it or touch their face during the experiment, and always wash hands afterward.
Q: Can I make bouncy balls without borax?
A: Yes, there are alternative recipes using liquid starch or baking soda with contact lens solution. However, the classic borax recipe gives the best bounce.
Q: Why is my bouncy ball sticky or runny?
A: It likely needs more cornstarch or kneading. Let it sit for a few minutes and try again. If it remains gooey, add a small pinch of cornstarch and knead more.
Q: How long do these bouncy balls last?
A: When stored properly in a sealed bag or container, they can last several weeks. Over time, they may dry out or lose bounce.
Q: What age is this suitable for?
A: This experiment is best for ages 6 and up, with adult supervision. Younger children can participate with help in mixing and shaping.
Conclusion:
The bouncy ball science experiment is a perfect blend of play and learning. Not only do children create a fun toy they can enjoy afterward, but they also get hands-on experience with basic chemistry and polymers. Watching a gooey mixture transform into a colorful, bouncy sphere is like magic—but it’s actually science in action!
This activity builds curiosity, reinforces scientific concepts, and enhances fine motor skills. Whether done in a classroom or at home, it offers endless variations and possibilities. Plus, it’s a great way for kids to learn that science isn’t just in textbooks it’s in their hands, their experiments, and their imaginations.
So, gather your ingredients, put on your scientist hat, and let the bouncing fun begin!
Print
Science Experiment Bouncy Balls for Kids Recipe
- Total Time: 10–15 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon of white school glue (PVA-based)
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½ teaspoon of borax powder (available at most grocery stores or online)
-
2 tablespoons of warm water
-
Food coloring (optional, for fun colors)
-
1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps with elasticity)
-
Measuring spoons
-
2 small mixing cups or disposable cups
-
Stirring sticks (craft sticks or spoons)
-
Rubber gloves (optional but recommended)
-
Ziplock bag or airtight container (for storage)
Instructions
In one of your mixing cups, combine ½ teaspoon of borax powder with 2 tablespoons of warm water. Stir until the borax is completely dissolved. This forms the activating solution needed to start the chemical reaction.
In a second cup, pour in 1 tablespoon of white school glue. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to this glue. Stir gently until well mixed. The cornstarch will help improve the texture and bounce of the final ball.
If you want a colorful bouncy ball, now is the time to add a few drops of food coloring to your glue and cornstarch mixture. Mix until the color is even throughout. Kids love this part it’s where creativity comes in!
Slowly pour the borax solution into the glue mixture while stirring constantly. Almost immediately, you’ll notice the mixture starting to thicken and clump. Keep stirring as the ingredients react to form a rubbery mass.
Once the mixture becomes too thick to stir, remove it from the cup and begin kneading it with your hands. It will be sticky at first, but after about a minute of kneading, it should firm up into a pliable, rubbery texture. Roll it into a ball shape with your hands. If it’s too sticky, add a tiny bit more cornstarch. If it’s too hard or crumbly, add a little more glue.
Notes
While this isn’t a cooking experiment, many of the same safety and measurement principles apply. Accurate measurements are important to get the right texture, and adult supervision is crucial when using chemicals like borax. Always ensure kids wash their hands after handling ingredients and playing with the finished product.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes