Make a Super Bouncy Ball

Step 4 Done!

Now the only thing left to do is use it!
Bounce it, juggle it etc.

The bouncy ball should be stored in a plastic bag, and if it breaks or gets distorted, just squeeze it back together into a ball shape.

And for a pink bouncy ball you can use phenolphthalein instead of alcohol. The only thing is, that it is not as easy available.

Comments

[maxthecat1]

my bouncy ball breaks very easily. how can i get it so it doesn't break apart? and it also dries out quickly. I am using rubbing alcohol instead of ethanol. is that the problem?

[kill1234]

well rubbing alcohol is mostly ethanol mixed with a little bit of water. so it should'nt be the problem...

[lifelong-newbie]

Unless the water is evaporating out, causing the drying effect

[Ugifer]

I think rubbing alcohol is actually isopropyl alcohol rather than ethanol. Not sure what is going on here chemically so I can't really say whether it will make a difference but rubbing alcohol and ethanol are not normally the same thing.

[jpetty1]

does it dry? If I add 4 cups to 1 cup will i get a bouncy ball?

[Tenn]

I made this with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students for a teaching project in AP Chemistry. After asking my Chemistry teacher whether it would kill me or not, and getting the inconclusive answer of; "No, but -I- wouldn't," I licked it. I'm still in tip-top shape. :)

[paulapaula]

This is just a little question. are the materials you're using safe and non-toxic? And what is the appropriate age for this bouncy ball?

[The Leo]

For a safer recipe, PVA glue, cornflour and borax give a similar result. This page might be helpful: http://www.science.demon.co.uk/club/custardballs.html

[The Leo]

...Also try adding food colouring.

[pudi.dk]

Alcohol is flammable as is, and water glass is alkaline as is. However the finished ball is neither, so I think it should be OK to play with as long as it is not eaten.