Ballons and Co2

Chemical reactions are important to learn—and fun to watch! Your kids will love this experiment because it shows them a chemical reaction in action while demonstrating the power that such a reaction can have. As a result, they will be encouraged to explore the way in which other materials react to one another.

Activity Instructions

Start by stretching the balloons out, making it easier for them to fill with carbon dioxide once the chemical reaction begins.

Next, have your kids pour a little over two and a half tablespoons of water into the soda bottle. As you prepare the baking soda, have your children get ready to attach the balloon.

Use the science activity journal to have them write about what they are observing and what they think will happen.

After the water is in the bottle, add a teaspoon of baking soda and mix it with the straw. When the baking soda has dissolved, add the lemon juice (or vinegar).

Immediately after pouring, have your kids attach the balloon to the mouth of the soda bottle. As the chemical reaction takes place, the balloon will inflate with carbon dioxide. Talk to your kids about how chemical reactions form. In this case, the reaction is between basic (water) and acidic (lemon juice or vinegar) substances.

Materials

• Soda Bottle
• Balloon
• Water (A little over 2.5 tablespoons)
• Lemon Juice or Vinegar
• Straw
• Baking Soda (1 Teaspoon)

Outcome

This exciting activity will show your kids how chemical reactions take place while demonstrating the power that they hold.