This is the second experiment we did in the 0-5 section of the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas. The kids got a water bottle with maybe half a cup of white vinegar in it, topped with a balloon with about one tablespoon of baking soda. In this picture the lady running the experiment is explaining to them that the balloon is going to inflate. That sideways look on Emma’s face means she doesn’t buy it.
Turns out the lady was right; the combination of baking soda and vinegar creates carbon dioxide, which inflates the balloon. Emma was duly impressed =)
If you try this at home, you may need to hold the balloon in place (Mike is doing this in the lower photo) to keep it from flying off the top of the bottle as it inflates. Once inflated, it stays put pretty well =)
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
That sideways glance is priceless! I love it when the kids are skeptical and then find out it really does work!
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A great experiment, will remember that one for future activity ideas :) From Alissa@ Excuse Me Mrs.C!
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I can’t wait to try this! We’re doing a balloon theme soon, so it will be perfect!
Awesome! I’m very excited to try this one out. I’m always looking for science projects for younger kids (mine are almost 3 and 1) and I think this one will be a huge hit. Thanks for sharing.
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We kids would love this! We will have to try it soon! Thanks for sharing!
Very cool experiment. The littlest one seems to be enjoying this as well. Thanks for sharing.
I love her expression! I think that’s what gets kids excited about science though, the unexpected.
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Cave Experiments, Science Sunday =-.
I have wanted to try this one for a while. My kids will love it! Thanks for the reminder. Cute pictures.
.-= Christy´s last blog ..Science Sunday – Caterpillars =-.
I’ve been wanting to try this experiment and keep putting it on the back burner. Love your little one’s expression, I may just have to get the stuff together and see what Selena would think of this.
That’s a great experiment, but I’ll admit, I’d much rather do it at a children’s museum, than in my kitchen :)
.-= Almost Unschoolers´s last blog ..Dipping Dino Head, Fun With Gravity for Science Sunday =-.
I love Emma’s expression. What a fun age!
.-= Michelle Breum´s last blog ..Practice Stretching Sounds to Read Words =-.
I love how many applications that experiment has and how many different ways it can be used.
And I’ll agree with everyone else, love the sideways look and the explanations.
.-= Ticia´s last blog ..After six months it’s done…… =-.
How cool. We definitely need to try this!!
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This is one of those “wow” experiments. I guess everything that creates a bubbly chemical reaction would have a big “wow” factor for preschoolers. Add balloons to it, and you get double-wow. I love it that Mike gets involved (and in commenting too :))
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LOL at Emma’s face! Too funny!
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I love it! With the very expressive sideways look, Emma has clearly formed a hypothesis! A budding scientist…
.-= Elisa | blissfulE´s last blog ..autumn leaves =-.
That is so fun! We’ll have to try that! I love the look on Emma’s face!
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Jars =-.
Very cool! I can’t wait to try :)
That’s too funny about the vinegar and baking soda – that’s how I clean my toilets and I’ve always noticed the fizz it makes when they mix together in the toilet, but I never gave much thought as to why – lol!
.-= Jackie @ 3 Little Ones´s last blog ..Dinosaurs & a Day at the Garbage Museum! =-.
No way! We’re totally doing this today. My kids are going to love it. And I love Emma’s look. A little skepticism is a good thing!
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I love your explanation for Emma’s sideways look!