When mixing the two chemicals in baking soda (called sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (called acetic acid), you cause a chemical reaction to occur. Carbon dioxide is one result of that reaction. Once the carbon dioxide fills up the bottle, it has no where else to go but into the balloon filling it up as more carbon dioxide is created.
Place a 16.9 oz. empty, clean plastic bottle without the lid on a flat surface. Spoon in two tablespoons of vinegar into the bottle.
2
Take a balloon that has never been blown up and open the mouth of it by using the first two fingers of each hand. Place your fingers inside the balloon and stretch it open.
3
Instruct a friend to spoon in one teaspoon of baking soda into the balloon using the teaspoon. Do not use the same spoon as you used with the vinegar.
4
Stretch the mouth of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle with the vinegar. Try not to spill any of the baking soda as you attach the balloon.
5
Make sure all the baking soda is transferred from the balloon to the bottle by maneuvering the balloon to get it all out.
6
Watch what happens to the inside of the bottle. Watch the balloon as it expands and cover your ears as it pops.
7
Write down your observations if you are doing this as a school science experiment.
Tips & Warnings
If doing this as a group activity, separate the kids into groups of two to four each. Pre-measure the baking soda and vinegar into two small plastic cups per group. You can purchase small containers called ramekins at a school supply or craft store, which have lids to prevent spillage.
If the balloon does not blow up immediately, shake the bottle just a little to get the baking soda and vinegar to mix.
If using anything larger than a 16.9 oz plastic bottle, you will have to use more baking soda and vinegar.
If you are working with smaller children or kids that scare easily, you might warn them that the balloon will pop.
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