Best Bounce

Grade Level

Middle School, 5th-8th

Related classroom topics

Problem Solving, Chemistry

Supplies Needed

Divide Students into groups of 3-5. Each team will need:

• ½ cup white glue
• ½ cup borax
• ½ cup corn starch
• ½ cup baking soda
• Measuring units: film containers, plastic spoons etc.
• Paper cup
• Toothpicks

Procedure

1. Set the stage: Students are chemical engineers. Students need to create a substance that bounces well using only the ingredients given.

2. Students must keep track of their work and be able to tell others how to make their substance.

3. Distribute materials: use paper cups and toothpicks for mixing.

4. Use the last 15 minutes for students to talk about how they came up with their substances and to test their product.

Extensions

Given time, allow students to name and market their product in class. Assign monetary values to materials used and determine the cheapest product to make that still bounces well.

Related discussion topics

Problem Solving, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing

Hints/Tips

Test out this experiment on your own before asking the class to do it. Come up with a well bouncing substance that uses the materials efficiently.