My kids love those “super bouncy” balls that you can buy in machines at restaurants. Every time we go out to eat, they beg us for a quarter to use in the machines. I found this recipe for making homemade bouncy balls, and while they are certainly not “super bouncy,” they are fun to make. Some disclaimers I would add are to be VERY accurate on your measurements. I did this experiment with my boys and it was a flop. I did it with some adults and it was awesome, so make sure that you are the one doing the measuring! Connect the experiment to the story of God’s Creation with the plan below. A teaching picture and Bible story summary are available to download here.
· Before the Activity:
o Think about the days of creation. What are some of the first things that God created?
o Do you think that God meant to create the earth round? Why?
o Today we will study the story of how God created the world.
o Borax
o Cornstarch
o White or clear school glue
o Warm water
o 2 cups (Labeled “Borax” and “Ball”)
o Food Color and/or Glitter (optional)
o In the “Borax” cup, dissolve ½ teaspoon of borax powder in 2 tablespoons of warm water. Add food color to get your desired color.
o In the “ball” cup, add 1 tablespoon of glue.
o Add ½ teaspoon of the “Borax” solution to the “Ball” cup. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch but do not stir. Allow the ingredients to work together for about 15–30 seconds.
o Stir the solution together until it becomes too difficult to stir. Take the mixture out and knead and mold until it is a ball.
o This experiment requires you to use a polymer to create a chemical reaction with the borax. The polymer is found in the glue. The polymer attaches itself to the borax.
· Bible Story Connection:
o God Created the World (Genesis 1:1–2:23)
o Connection Point: In this activity, kids will get to create a ball. God also created a great big ball, the earth! God created a beautiful world, and kids can choose how they create their ball.
· After the Story/Activity:
o What connections do you see between making our bouncy balls and how God created the earth?
o Will our bouncy balls last forever? Will the earth last forever?
o Do you think that God was creative in the way that He made the earth? How?
