How to Make a Tea Bag Balloon

Transform an ordinary teabag into a balloon science experiment with flames.

Tea bags are more than just for holding tea leaves; they work in science experiments too. Use a rectangular-shaped teabag made from filter paper to make a hot air balloon. When you light the tea bag, flame travels to the bottom of the paper. The ashes from the tea bag float upward like a hot air balloon. This happens because the warm air traveling inside the tea bag is replaced with cooler air that's strong enough to lift the ashes.

Things You'll Need

• Tea bag
• Aluminum foil or bowl
• Match or lighter
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Remove the string and tag from the tea bag and shake the tea leaves to the bottom of the bag.

2. Cut the top of the tea bag, about a 1/2 inch from the edge.

3. Empty the tea leaves from the bag and place them into a container or discard them.

4. Unfold the tea bag and reshape it into a tube.

5. Place the tea bag on a piece of aluminum foil or in a bowl in an upright position, stabilizing it until it can stand on its own.

6. Light the top of the tea bag.

7. Watch the flame travel down the tea bag and lift the ashes into the air. Catch the warm ashes before they touch the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not allow children to attempt this experiment without adult supervision as it is involves fire.

• Do not light the tea bag until it is completely stable on the surface.

References

• We Dare You! Hundreds of Science Bets, Challenges, and Experiments You Can Do at Home; Vicki Cob et al.