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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 the perfect way to introduce kids to the wonders of chemistry and polymers. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create your very own bouncy ball that will provide hours of entertainment.
Materials:
- 1 cup of white glue
- ½ cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of borax powder
- Food coloring (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Measuring cup
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the white glue and water. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add the borax powder and stir until the mixture starts to thicken and become gooey. This may take a few minutes.
- If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture and stir until the color is evenly distributed.
- Knead the mixture with your hands until it forms a smooth, bouncy ball.
- Let the ball sit for at least 30 minutes before playing with it. This will allow the borax powder to fully react with the glue and create a strong bond.
How It Works:
This bouncy ball is made possible by a chemical reaction between the borax powder and the glue. Borax is a cross-linker, which means that it helps to form bonds between the molecules in the glue. This creates a strong, elastic material that can bounce.
Safety Precautions:
- Adult supervision is recommended for this project.
- 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 your ball is too sticky, add a little more borax powder.
- If your ball is too hard, add a little more water.
- If your ball doesn't bounce well, let it sit for longer before playing with it.
Conclusion:
This bouncy ball project is a great way to teach kids about chemistry and polymers. It's also a lot of fun! So gather your materials and get started today.