Kids' Craft: How to Make a Homemade Bouncy Ball
My kids went through a big craft phase, so I was thrilled to find this homemade bouncy ball idea from The Idea Room. It uses simple supplies and feels a little like a science experiment.
Supplies (makes 1 ball)
- ½ teaspoon borax
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 tablespoon white school glue
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Food coloring (optional)
- 2 small cups
- A craft stick or plastic spoon for stirring
One word of advice: measure exactly. I tried to eyeball the amounts the first time and it took me three attempts to get a ball. Precise measurements matter here.
Safety note: borax shouldn't be swallowed and can irritate skin and eyes. An adult should handle the borax and do the first round of mixing, and everyone should wash their hands afterward.
Directions
- Label your cups "Borax" and "Ball" so you don't mix them up.
- Make the borax solution. In the "Borax" cup, stir the borax into the warm water until it dissolves. Add a few drops of food coloring now if you want a colored ball.
- Combine. In the "Ball" cup, add the glue, the cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon of the borax solution.
- Wait. Let it sit 10 to 15 minutes without stirring. This is when the chemical reaction does its thing.
- Stir. Mix until it turns into one thick glob.
- Knead. Take it out and work it with your fingers. It'll be sticky at first, but keep going and it comes together quickly. Then roll it into a ball.
Does It Really Bounce?
Yes! Interestingly, ours bounced better on carpet than on the kitchen floor. It's not as springy as a store-bought super ball, and it dries out and flattens after a couple of days, so store it in a zip-top bag to make it last longer.
My daughter's favorite part? The mess.
Turn It Into a Science Lesson
The borax links the glue's long molecules together into a stretchy, rubbery material called a polymer. Try experimenting: what happens with more cornstarch, or less? Which version bounces highest?
Looking for more boredom busters? Check out our Mason jar bug catcher craft.
