Outreach for Librarians: Stress Balls

Things to Think About: 

• You can buy Orbeez on Amazon.
• Have students use their hands to place the Orbeez in the water bottle because they love the feel of the Orbeez. 
• A 5 gallon pail is easily obtained at a place like Home Depot (big, orange pail)
• You might have some prepared Orbeez left over.  Students like to stick their hands in them and play, so you might consider leaving out the bowl for students with a sign inviting them to do so.

Alternatives: 

You could also fill the balloons with dry rice.

Stress Balls

Objective:  Students will be able to make stress balls.

Supplies:  100 latex balloons, Orbeez, empty disposable water bottles, a 5 gallon bucket, water, pitcher (optional for filling bucket with water), plastic bowl(s)

How To:

• Put the needed amount of prepared Orbeez inside the water bottle.
• Blow up the balloon but don’t let the air out of it.
• Carefully stretch the opening of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle.
• Holding the balloon onto the mouth of the bottle, carefully turn the balloon/bottle unit upside down and gently shake the Orbeez into the balloon.
• Once the Orbeez are in the balloon, let the remaining air out of the balloon and tie it off. 

Preparing the Orbeez:

• It takes at least 8 hours for Orbeez to absorb the water and swell to the proper size.  I start them the night before just as I’m about to leave for the day.
• Read and follow the directions for the proper amounts of water and Orbeez. 
• Prepare enough to fill a 5 gallon pail.