Balloon Baking Soda Experiment
A fun, fast, and easy science experiment using household ingredients that inflates a balloon through a bubbly chemical reaction—perfect for kids and curious minds.
Equipment
- Small Plastic Bottle
- Funnel or Paper Cone
- Balloon
Ingredients
Experiment Supplies
- 1 unit balloon any color
- 1 small bottle plastic bottle empty water bottle works well
- 2-3 tablespoons baking soda dry powder
- 0.5 cup vinegar white vinegar preferred, can add food coloring or glitter optionally
- 1 unit funnel or paper cone for adding baking soda to balloon without spills
- optional food coloring or glitter for extra visual excitement
Instructions
- Step 1: Insert the funnel into the mouth of the balloon. Carefully pour 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda into the balloon and set it aside to keep the powder separate.
- Step 2: Pour ½ cup of vinegar into the plastic bottle. Optionally add a few drops of food coloring or a sprinkle of glitter to the vinegar for extra visual effect.
- Step 3: Stretch the open end of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle, ensuring a snug fit so no gas escapes. Keep the balloon hanging down so the baking soda remains inside.
- Step 4: Lift the balloon, allowing the baking soda to fall into the vinegar. The reaction will bubble and fizz, producing carbon dioxide gas.
- Step 5: Watch as the gas inflates the balloon, demonstrating science in action.
Notes
This experiment works best when done fresh. Store prepared balloons with baking soda in a dry place and vinegar in the fridge if prepping ahead. Always supervise children and conduct the experiment on a protected surface to avoid mess.