We all know how to blow up a balloon … but did you know you could blow it up with a chemical reaction?
Put your safety goggles on as you are about to become scientists!
What you need:-
- An empty plastic bottle
- A balloon
- Vinegar
- Bicarbonate of soda
- A funnel
This experiment is excellent for showing off to your family through video call, that you have a trick to blow up a balloon!
Here’s what to do…
- Pour some vinegar into the plastic bottle (about 1/5 of the way)
- Insert the funnel into the balloon and carefully add 2 tablespoons of bicarb inside
- Carefully fit the balloon over the top of the bottle (Be careful not to spill any bicarb in yet!!)
- Once the balloon is secure, hold up the balloon – pouring the bicarb into the vinegar
- Watch as your balloon starts to inflate!
This happens because of the gas produced when the vinegar and bicarb mix together to cause a chemical reaction.
Some things to think about during your experimenting:-
- Predict what you think will happen before you carry out your experiment
- Why did this happen?
- Does it work with other ingredients? e.g. oil? baking powder? salt? water?
- Why does the balloon stop blowing up?
- How tall is your balloon? (Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the height of your balloon)
This is a great experiment to promote inquiry, prediction, observation skills, critical thinking and don’t forget measuring!
As an extra, I like to draw funny faces on the balloons first so that when they blow up they make my family laugh! Have a race with your family to see who’s balloon will blow up first!
Enjoy being scientists and don’t forget to leave a comment and tell us all about your results!
Have fun!!
