How to make a bouncing ball

Guar gum and contact lens solution in the bowl. The mixture is stirred by a spoon.

You can make your own bouncing balls with just two ingredients. Try it out!

Before you get started

If you are experimenting at home:
1. Let your parents know and discuss the experiments with them beforehand.
2. Do not eat or drink at your workspace.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after the experiment.
4. Be careful and cautious with the materials.

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Downloads

pdf Bouncing ball from guar gum ‏ (471.33 KB) 2056420 standard HKDownload

A bottle of contact lens solution, guar gum in a bowl, a packet of guar gum flour, a spoon.

You will need

A liquid containing small amounts of borates such as contact lens solution
Guar gum flour
Small bowl
Spoon

Let’s get started

Guar gum and contact lens solution in the bowl. The mixture is stirred by a spoon.

1. Mix it up!

Mix a small amount of contact lens solution with a little guar gum.

Roll the guar gum mixture into a ball in the open palm of your hand.

2. Knead the mixture

Knead the resulting mixture thoroughly. Shape it into a ball - done!

Tip: You can mix some food coloring with the guar gum at the beginning. This will give you colorful bouncing balls.

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