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Bright and colorful bouncing rainbow balls in motion

Bouncing Rainbow Balls

A fun and colorful science experiment perfect for kids and adults that teaches chemical reactions while creating squishy bouncy balls.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1 batch
Course: Activity, Snack
Cuisine: Science Experiment
Calories: 20
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For each ball
  • 1 tbsp Borax powder
  • 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 4 tbsp warm water Use warm water for better dissolution.
  • 1 tbsp Elmer’s clear or white glue Elmer's glue is preferred for its adhesive properties.
  • Food coloring or liquid watercolors Use a variety of colors for colorful balls.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gather all your materials and ensure your workspace is clean and organized.
  2. In a small cup, combine 4 tablespoons of warm water with 1 tablespoon of Borax powder. Stir until the Borax is completely dissolved.
  3. In a separate cup, mix 1 tablespoon of glue with a few drops of your chosen food coloring or liquid watercolor. Stir well to combine.
  4. Add 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch to the glue mixture and mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
  5. Carefully pour the glue mixture into the Borax solution. Do not stir immediately; let it sit for 10-15 seconds.
  6. After the waiting period, gently stir the mixture until it starts to clump together.
  7. Remove the clumped mixture from the liquid and use your hands to roll it into a smooth, round ball.
  8. Repeat the process with different colors to create multiple rainbow balls.
  9. Once all balls are formed, test their bouncing ability by dropping them on a hard surface.

Notes

To enhance the bouncing effect, make sure to roll your balls tightly and let them sit for a few hours to dry out a bit. Experiment with different sizes or colors while rolling to create unique patterns.