Ingredients
- 1 clear plastic bottle, 16 fluid ounces, empty and dry
- 1 latex balloon, 9 to 12 inches, uninflated
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 small funnel, 2 to 3 inches wide, kitchen or craft size
- 1 measuring cup, 1/4-cup size
- 1 measuring spoon, 1-tablespoon size
- 1 small bowl, 4 to 6 inches wide, for holding the balloon
- 1 shallow tray or baking sheet, about 12 inches by 10 inches, to catch spills
- 1 pair of child-safe protective glasses, sized for the child
- 1 pair of reusable household gloves, optional for sensitive hands
- 1 damp cloth, about 12 inches square, for wiping the table
- 1 roll of paper towels, at least 10 sheets, for small spills
- 1 small piece of masking tape, about 2 inches long, optional for labeling the bottle
Instructions
- Cover the table first with the shallow tray or baking sheet to keep vinegar and foam from spreading.
- Place the empty 16-fluid-ounce plastic bottle in the center of the tray and check that it stands flat.
- Measure 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar and pour it into the bottle.
- Set the small funnel into the opening of the 9- to 12-inch balloon and hold it low in your hand.
- Measure 2 tablespoons of baking soda and spoon it into the funnel, tapping gently to settle the powder.
- Stretch the balloon carefully over the mouth of the bottle without tipping the powder inside.
- Ask everyone to put on protective glasses before starting the reaction.
- Lift the balloon upright to let the baking soda fall into the vinegar and observe the fizz.
- Watch the balloon inflate for 1 to 3 minutes without pulling on it.
- If the balloon stays flat, swirl the bottle gently or repeat with a fresh balloon.
- When satisfied with the balloon size, hold the neck closed and remove it from the bottle.
- Let the gas escape outdoors or over the tray, then dispose of the liquid in the sink with water.
- Rinse the bottle and clean up using the damp cloth and paper towels.
Notes
Ensure adult supervision throughout the experiment, especially when handling the balloon. Use caution with the reaction and avoid capping the bottle after mixing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
