Brilliant Bouncing Ball with Whirlwind Effect
A fun and educational DIY craft that allows you to create bouncing balls while exploring the science of elasticity and materials.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup white school glue
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- food coloring (optional)
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- whisk or spoon
- plastic wrap
- baking sheet
Instructions
Preparation
- Clear a flat surface and gather all materials.
- Lay down plastic wrap on your workspace for easy cleanup.
Mixing the Base
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of white school glue and 1 cup of water.
- Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.
Add Color
- If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the glue mixture and mix until you achieve your preferred shade.
Thicken the Mixture
- Gradually stir in 1 cup of cornstarch.
- Mix until it becomes a thick paste. Use your hands if necessary for better mixing.
Create the Whirlwind Effect
- In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Watch the mixture fizz!
- Quickly add this fizzing mixture to the cornstarch and glue mix.
Form the Balls
- Once the mixture has settled, mold it into small balls using your hands, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Place the formed balls onto the baking sheet lined with plastic wrap.
Let Them Set
- Allow the balls to dry for at least 24 hours until they firm up.
Notes
Tips: Try using different food colorings, add glitter or beads for texture variations, and experiment with sizes to see how it affects bouncing capabilities.