Bouncy Behaviors

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In this activity, learners investigate how changing a recipe can affect the way a material behaves. Learners make three bouncy balls using different amounts of cornstarch, glue, and borax solution, then drop each ball from the same height and use video to measure its first bounce. By comparing the results, learners explore how different combinations of ingredients can change a material’s bounciness and other properties.

Safety Note: Adult supervision is needed when preparing and handling the borax solution. Learners should wash their hands thoroughly after the activity.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Popsicle sticks
  • Cornstarch
  • Elmer’s all-purpose glue or Elmer’s glitter glue (if you want color)
  • Borax
  • Warm water
  • Paper
  • Marker
  • Tape
  • Cereal box (or other tall box for the backdrop)
  • Disposable gloves (optional)
  • Newspaper/trash bags
  • Small Cups (4 or 6 ounces)
  • A larger cup or bowl (for the borax solution)
  • Measuring cup
  • Measuring spoons
  • Ruler
  • Smartphone or other video recording device

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
    • Motion and Forces
    • Energy
      • Potential and Kinetic Energy
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Chemical Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Gathering Data
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking
  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see

Culture, ethnicity, and gender

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Penn State University; The Franklin Institute

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Penn State University, 2021

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, DMR-2011839

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