Bouncy Balls

So my lovely kids at the Blue Barn tried making these yesterday, they were a lot of fun, if a little slimy and/or lumpy in some cases. Buba and I had another go this morning with a little more success (less slime more bounce). Either way it makes for a fun experiment.

You will need:

(These quantities make one ball)

1/2 tsp Borax
1 tbl Cornstarch
1tbl Glue (we used Elmer's)
2 tbl Hot water
Food coloring
2 bowls labelled A and B

Step 1

In bowl A dissolve the 1/2 tsp borax into 2 tbl spoons hot water.

Step 2

In bowl B mix together a few drops of food coloring, 1 tbl corn starch and 1 tbl glue. 

Step 3

Add 1/2 tsp of bowl A to bowl B. Let it sit for about 30 seconds to begin to react. Then stir it.

When you stir it will begin to form a solid 'gunk', at this point you will need to get your hands messy, roll it round and round. The more its rolled the less sticky it will become.

Heres a few pictures from the Blue Barn kids, their attempts were far slimier but still fun. We had a lot of corn starch flying around so I think some of the quantities might be a little off. A few had more of a putty to take home.

Step 4

Once you loose the tackiness as you are rolling it, you will see you have formed a rubber bouncy ball. These balls won't bound of the floor to ceiling but they do have some bounce. If however you leave them sat out they will start to flatten out and loose their shape. They are also best stored in a ziplock to prevent the outside getting dried out. 

D and Buba destroyed there bouncy balls quickly after taking them outside and them getting covered in grass and mud - which by the way is not easily cleaned off.

The good news, if they do dry out or get too dirty you can always make another!