balloons

This super-easy expanding balloon science experiment includes balloons and two basic household staples, which is a win-win combination. The bubbly experiment is perfect for all ages, and children can easily help with the activity.

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Supplies to Collect

To perform this fantastic chemistry experiment, gather the following inexpensive supplies:

white vinegar
baking soda
large balloon
water or juice bottle
measuring cup (optional)
measuring spoon
funnel

The Expanding Balloon Science Experiment

In this fizzy science activity, start by stretching a large balloon and blowing a little air into it.

Next, let the air out and place a funnel inside the rolled edge. Spoon in three teaspoons of baking soda. If the bottle you will use is on the larger side, use heaping teaspoons of the powder. Shake the balloon a bit to get the baking soda to the bottom.

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Then pour vinegar into a clean water or juice bottle and fill it about ¼ to 1/3 of the way. Pour the vinegar into a measuring cup first to make this step easier.

Afterward, carefully fit the balloon snugly over the mouth of the bottle. Keep the balloon hanging off the side as you do this.

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Lastly, lift the balloon so the baking soda drops into the bottle and watch the two ingredients bubble and fizz as they react. The balloon will magically self-inflate.

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The Science Behind This Balloon Experiment

Vinegar is a liquid, and baking soda is a solid. In this bubbly, fizzing science experiment, there is a chemical reaction between the vinegar (an acid) and the baking soda (a base). As the two ingredients interact, they release carbon dioxide gas. The gas expands and goes up the balloon, causing it to inflate.

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Variations of the Expanding Balloon Science Experiment

To extend this magical science activity, try using different-sized bottles and varying amounts of vinegar and baking soda to see if the experiment works out just as well.

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To make the eye-appealing activity even more colorful, add food coloring to the vinegar in the bottle and use a clear balloon.

Have you tried this expanding balloon science experiment?

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More Science Activities

Salt and Ice Science Experiment

Dyed Peony Science Experiment

Magnet Science Tuff Tray

Floating Egg Science Experiment

Heart-shaped Dissolving Candy Science

Color Explosion Science Experiment

Beet Science and Sensory Activities

Celery Science Experiment

Reptile Egg Science

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[Read more…]

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This balloon painting flower art is quick and easy to do and can make a room look cozier in no time. It is an unexpected, novel way to create art. Since children love activities with balloons, they’ll surely enjoy participating in this art invitation.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following supplies for this large-scale art project:

round balloons
tempera paints in a variety of colors
paper plates
18-inch x 24-inch sturdy paper
paintbrushes and paint pots
sponge dish wands
thin metallic garland
white glue and glue paddle
scissors
waterproof table cover

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Balloon Painting Flower Art Set Up

To set up this art project, start by covering an art table with a waterproof table cover.

Next, blow up round balloons to about 1/3 their usual size. Small balloons work fine for this project.

Then pour tempera paint in a variety of colors onto paper plates.

Afterward, drop paint into small plates or paint pot lids and add a sponge dish wand into each one.

Set out the paint trays, balloons, dish wands, and large sheets of sturdy paper on the art table. Your painting invitation is now ready to go.

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The Balloon Painting Flower Art Project

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To create eye-catching balloon art flowers, press a balloon into one of the paint colors, lift it off, and carefully press it down onto a piece of sturdy paper.

Tip: The firmer a paint-dipped balloon is pressed on paper, the bigger the print. Pressing the balloon down gently creates a smaller print.