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10 Backyard Science Experiments for Kids

Spark a love of science right at home

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10 Backyard Science Experiments for Kids

an open palm hand holding a purple and blue ball
Photo:
Bouncy fun awaits with this experiment. Photo: iStock

Make bouncy balls

Making bouncy balls is a great afternoon project and a lesson in polymers! These are made from glue, cornstarch and borax, and you can add food coloring to make them bright. Bounce over to the blog called A Few Shortcuts for this great tutorial.

Science lesson: White glue is made of a polymer called PVC. When mixed with the boric acid in borax, the polymers crosslink and form chains like a big spider web. The starch in the cornstarch gets trapped in the chains and makes the substance compact and, well, bouncy.

Up next: Make a lemon battery

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