Inflate A Balloon
Inflate A Balloon
Topic: Science Careers
Empowerment Lesson Video: Science Careers
Supplies:
- Balloon, one per pair
- Funnel, one per pair
- Clean, dry plastic bottle, one per pair
- Measuring spoons
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
Video Discussion:
Ask, “What are some examples of science careers?”
Direct students to turn and talk to a partner. Then invite pairs to share their ideas. Ensure that a variety of science careers have been mentioned.
Tell students they will be watching the video titled, “Science Careers”. Explain that the video presents role models talking about why a career in science is very desirable and fulfilling.
After watching the video Science Careers, let your students know they will be conducting a science experiment to put themselves in the shoes of a real scientist.
Activity Instructions:
Students will explore the exciting world of science careers by conducting a fun chemical reaction experiment! Using vinegar and baking soda, they will create a reaction that produces gas, inflating a balloon without using their breath.
Have you ever wondered how scientists make discoveries? Today, you’ll be acting like a scientist by mixing ingredients to create a chemical reaction!
Instructor Notes: Divide students into pairs.
- Gather the supplies you will need for this activity including baking soda, a balloon, a funnel, vinegar, and an empty water bottle.
- Using the funnel, add three teaspoons of baking soda to the unfilled balloon.
- Thoroughly rinse and dry the funnel.
- Using the funnel, pour three teaspoons of vinegar into the water bottle.
- Attach the balloon to the top of the water bottle by stretching out the mouth of the balloon to fit around the spout of the bottle. Be careful not to let any of the baking soda slip into the bottle.
- Quickly tip the balloon so that the baking soda falls out of the balloon and into the bottle with the vinegar.
- Watch as your balloon blows up.
- What’s happening here? The vinegar (an acid) is creating a chemical reaction with the baking soda (a base). When the two substances mix, you get carbonic acid. Carbonic acid is unstable and decomposes (falls apart) to become carbon dioxide and water. Carbon dioxide is much less dense than the vinegar and baking soda, so it wants to expand or take up more room. Luckily, the balloon is stretchy enough to allow it to do just that! So, the carbon dioxide expands to fill up the balloon.
- If you enjoyed this experiment, imagine doing it every day as a scientist! Scientists spend their time asking questions, testing ideas, and discovering new things—just like you did today.
