Science Story Time Experiment: Self-Inflating Balloon

Self-Inflating Balloon at Home Experiment

Let's talk about solids, liquids, and gases! Watch a balloon inflate on its own all thanks to science!

Science Story Time Experiment: Self-Inflating Balloon

Connected Standard

3.2 K.A.3 Describe the way matter can change.

What You Will Need

  • 1 Balloon
  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Empty plastic water bottle
  • Funnel
  • Spoon
    Balloon inflating over lid of water bottle filled with vinegar and baking soda

Instructions

  1. Add your liquid (about 1/4 cup of vinegar) to empty water bottle.
  2. Using the funnel, put your solid (about 1 teaspoon of baking soda) into the balloon.
  3. Carefully attach the lip of the balloon to the top of the water bottle. Make sure you leave the bulk of the balloon holding the baking soda hanging down so it doesn't fall into the water bottle!
  4. When ready, pick up the balloon so that the baking soda falls into the bottle and watch the balloon inflate!

The Science Behind It

Vinegar (our liquid) is an acid and baking soda (our solid) is a base, and when they combine the product they create is CO2 or carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas inflates the balloon because it has nowhere else to go!

Books to Pair with This Experiment

  • The Wump World by Bill Peet
  • The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Experiment Credit

Kids Academy

Handout

Download the Self-Inflating Balloon PDF to print or save.

Science Story Time Experiment: Self-Inflating Balloon3.75 MB