How To Make Bouncy Putty

Although you can purchase "Silly Putty" or bouncy putty readily at many toy stores, the process of making homemade bouncy putty may entertain and educate youngsters. Using basic household ingredients, conduct a simple kitchen experiment and whip up a batch of goop that kids can throw and bounce. After you finish mixing and kneading, give a quick explanation of the chemical reaction that produced the bouncy putty.

Step 1

Pour the warm water into the measuring cup. Add the Borax to the water and stir until the Borax dissolves completely — this may take several minutes.

Step 2

Place 1 tbsp. of white glue and 1 tbsp. of water into the small mixing cup. Mix the two ingredients well with a spoon.

Step 3

Add 1 drop of food coloring to the glue mixture if you wish to color the bouncy putty. Stir the food coloring in well to distribute it evenly.

Step 4

Add about 2/3 tbsp. of the Borax mixture to the white glue and water and mix well — use the additional Borax mixture for more bouncy putty or discard it. The mixture will congeal and become firm as you stir.

Step 5

Pull the mixture out of the mixing cup with your fingers and knead it in your hands. It should become a ball as you knead it.

Step 6

Store the bouncy putty in a sealed plastic food storage bag to keep it moist.