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How to Make a Bouncy Ball: A Fun DIY Project

Making your own bouncy ball can be an exciting and educational DIY project that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. Not only does it allow you to explore chemical reactions, but it also provides a fun toy that you can play with afterwards! In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create your very own bouncy ball using simple ingredients that you likely have around the house.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of white school glue (PVA glue)
• 1/2 teaspoon of cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of water
• 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar (white vinegar works best)
• Food colouring (optional, for a splash of colour)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or stirring stick
• Measuring spoons
• Plastic wrap or wax paper (for rolling)
• Mould (optional, like a silicone mould for shaping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the white school glue, cornflour, and water. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. The cornflour will help to give the bouncy ball its firmness.

Step 2: Add Colouring

If you’d like to add colour to your bouncy ball, this is the time to do it. Add a few drops of food colouring to the mixture and continue stirring until you achieve your desired shade.

Step 3: Mix the Chemical Reaction

In a separate small bowl, combine the baking soda and vinegar. This will create a bubbly reaction that will help the mixture become more solid. Once the fizzing has settled down, immediately pour this mixture into the glue mixture you prepared earlier. Stir quickly until combined; be careful, as it might start to clump together right away.

Step 4: Forming the Ball

Once the mixture is well combined and starting to thicken, you can begin to form it into a ball. If you want a perfect spherical shape, you can use your mould. Otherwise, simply wet your hands slightly (to prevent sticking) and roll the mixture into a ball shape using your palms.

Step 5: Let it Set

Wrap the newly formed ball in plastic wrap or place it on a piece of wax paper to let it set for a few hours. Ideally, leave it for about 2-3 hours or until it feels dry to the touch. Keep in mind that the bouncy ball won’t be as bouncy until it has fully cured.

Step 6: Test Your Bouncy Ball

Once the ball has dried, it’s time for the fun part! Head to a smooth surface (like a wooden or tiled floor) and give your bouncy ball a throw. Watch as it bounces back up; the higher the drop, the higher it should bounce!

Tips for Success

• Experiment with Ratios: If your ball isn’t bouncy enough, try adjusting the amounts of cornflour and glue slightly.
• Try Different Colours: Mix different colours together to create unique patterns and designs on your bouncy ball.
• Store Properly: Keep your bouncy balls in a cool, dry place to ensure they retain their bounce for longer.

Conclusion

Creating your very own bouncy ball is not only a delightful science experiment but also a memorable activity that can be shared with friends and family. This DIY project enhances creativity, hones motor skills, and introduces basic principles of chemistry. So gather your materials, roll up your sleeves, and let the bouncing begin! Enjoy your homemade bouncy ball and share the fun with others!