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Have you ever tried the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment? This classic self-inflating balloon science experiment is really one of my favorites. It is so easy to do and it really is exciting to watch.
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 more of my STEM projects for kids.)
How to Do the Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment:
Supplies You Will Need for the Experiment:
Plastic water bottle, emptied
Small Funnel
Spoon
TIP: Before starting the experiment, you will want to stretch out the balloon to make it more loose and easier to inflate.
Step 1- Pour 1-2 spoonfuls of baking soda into the opening of the balloon, using a funnel. You’ll need to shake it a bit to get it down into the base of the balloon.
Step 2- Use the funnel again and pour some vinegar into the plastic bottle until it is about an inch or two deep. Exact amounts do not matter.
Step 3- Carefully stretch the opening of the balloon around the mouth of the bottle leaving it hanging down until you are ready for the reaction.
TIP: Don’t let any of the soda dump into the bottle while attaching it.
Step 4- When you are ready to see the chemical reaction happen, lift up the balloon allowing the baking soda to fall down into the bottle.
This is when the fun starts! Baking soda and vinegar create an awesome chemical reaction. The gas from combining the two will cause the balloon to inflate. It’s impressive. The more gas there is created, the larger the balloon will get.
Your kids, if they are anything like mine, 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!)
The Science Behind It: Why Does Baking Soda React With Vinegar?
When the vinegar and baking soda combine there is a reaction between an acid and a base. Vinegar is the acid and baking soda is the base. This reaction between the two causes a gas called carbon dioxide to bubble and foam. This gas having nowhere else to go, expands the balloon making the self-inflating balloon happen.
Want More Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments?
We love the carbon dioxide reactions that these two substances create.
Check out these other ones we have done:
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. 🙂