Oct. 11, 2006

Make Your Own Silly Putty

During World War II, Japan invaded numerous rubber-producing countries, cutting the United States off from the rubber supplies it needed to manufacture truck tires and boots. So the War Production Board asked American companies to develop a synthetic rubber. James Wright, a General Electric engineer, invented a gooey, bouncy substance when he combined boric acid and silicone oil in a test tube. Wright didn't see a use for it, but marketing whiz Peter Hodgson thought it would make a great toy. He was right. When Hodgson introduced it to American kids in 1949 it was an instant hit. In 2000, Silly Putty celebrated its 50th year of popularity and it was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame.

What's that word that means making a discovery that was not sought after? Serendipity! While the creation of Silly Putty was certainly serendipitous, millions of kids around the world now have the thrill of playing with it. It bounces! It picks up newsprint images! And best of all—it's something you can make in your own kitchen!

Supplies

• 2 cups Elmer's all-purpose glue
• 1 cup liquid starch (available in grocery stores)
• large zip-lock baggies
• 3 drops of food coloring—you pick the color!

Method

1. Pour the glue and liquid starch into the baggie. This is easier to do if you set the baggie into a small bowl.
2. Lock the baggie. Carefully squish the contents together until they're well mixed. Make sure you don't apply too much pressure, or the top of the bag might open!
3. When well mixed, add the food coloring of your choice. You can make separate batches in different colors.
4. To keep Silly Putty from drying out, place it in a baggie when you're not playing with it.

Reprinted with permission from Great World War II Projects You Can Build Yourself by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt. Published by Nomad Press (www.nomadpress.net), distributed by Independent Publishers Group (www.ipgbook.com). Copyright © 2006 by Nomad Press.

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