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DIY Bouncy Ball: A Fun Chemistry STEM Project for Kids

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Make Your Own Bouncy Ball: A Fun Chemistry STEM Project for Kids

Are you ready for some bouncing, gooey, scientific fun? This DIY bouncy ball project is perfect for kids who are curious about chemistry and love getting their hands messy. It's a fantastic way to learn about polymers, cross-linkers, and chemical bonding while creating a toy that will provide weeks of entertainment.

Materials:

  • 1 cup of white school glue
  • ½ cup of water
  • 1 teaspoon of borax powder
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • A spoon
  • A bowl
  • A fork

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix together the glue and water until well combined.
  2. Add the borax powder and stir until the mixture starts to thicken and become gooey.
  3. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
  4. Use the fork to pull and stretch the mixture until it forms a ball.
  5. Continue kneading the ball with your hands until it is smooth and firm.
  6. Let the ball sit for a few minutes to allow it to fully set.
  7. Bounce and enjoy your homemade bouncy ball!

Scientific Explanation:

This bouncy ball is made possible by a chemical reaction between the glue, water, and borax powder. The glue contains a polymer called polyvinyl acetate, which is made up of long chains of molecules. When the borax powder is added, it reacts with the glue to form cross-links between the polymer chains. These cross-links create a strong, elastic network that gives the ball its bouncy properties.

Safety Precautions:

  • Adult supervision is recommended for this activity.
  • Borax powder can be harmful if ingested, so be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling it.
  • Avoid getting the mixture in your eyes.

Troubleshooting:

  • If the ball is too sticky, add a little more borax powder.
  • If the ball is too hard, add a little more water.
  • If the ball doesn't bounce well, let it sit for a longer period of time to allow it to fully set.

We hope you enjoyed this fun and educational STEM project! Be sure to check out our other videos for more exciting science experiments and activities.