This post may contain affiliate links.
Have you ever tried the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment? This classic self-inflating balloon experiment is really one of my favorites. The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar cause the balloon to inflate all on its own! It is a show-stopper experiment for kids. (See all of my STEM projects for kids.)
How to Do the Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment:
Supplies you will need:
Plastic water bottle, emptied
1 Large Balloon
White Vinegar
Baking Soda
Funnel
Pour 1-2 spoonfuls of baking soda into the balloon, using a funnel.
Use the funnel again and pour some vinegar into the plastic bottle until it is about an inch or two deep.
Attach the balloon around the mouth of the bottle leaving it hanging down until you are ready for the reaction. When you are ready, lift up the balloon allowing the baking soda to fall down into the bottle.
The gas from combining the two will cause the balloon to inflate. It’s impressive. You kids will beg to do it again, then 10 more times! This is really a perfect science project for kids to try on their own.
(It’s a good thing they are both so cheap!)
Why Does Baking Soda React With Vinegar?
When the vinegar and baking soda combine there is a reaction between an acid and a base. This reaction causes a gas called carbon dioxide to bubble and foam. This gas having nowhere else to go, expands the balloon.
Wmoon says
May 24, 2011 at 4:51 pmWhat a great idea! I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this experiment. My girls are 12 and 11 and still love doing at home science projects. Although they use Time4Learning science curriculum it is always fun to do your own.
Thanks for the idea!
Our Side of the Mountain says
May 24, 2011 at 9:00 pmAwesome! I’m making a list of simple, fun experiments to do this summer, and I’m adding this one to it! We don’t seem to get to these types of experiments during the regular school year! Stopping by from HHH and new follower! Thanks for sharing your experiment!
Jessy
Mary says
May 28, 2011 at 5:25 pmMy boys loved this experiment too. 🙂