How to Learn About Air With Balloons

When you are teaching children about air, it can be difficult to explain about air pressure and that air has mass without a proper demonstration. One solution is to utilize a balloon, which can demonstrate how gas can cause pressure to build inside the balloon and show that the gas inside has mass. You can create your own air experiment using a few items that can be found at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Soda bottle, empty
  • Funnel
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Tissue paper
  • Balloon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a funnel into the top of an empty and dry 2-liter soda bottle.

    • 2

      Pour two cups of white vinegar into the bottle through the funnel. Remove the funnel.

    • 3

      Lay a piece of tissue paper flat onto a table top and pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the center of the tissue. Fold the edges of the tissue paper together and twist them to create a packet.

    • 4

      Stick the packet through the top of the bottle, then quickly wrap the opening of a balloon over the opening of the bottle.

    • 5

      Place the bottle and balloon onto a flat surface to watch the gas inflate the balloon. When the children observe the balloon inflating, explain how the gas pressure is forcing it's way into the balloon, causing it to inflate, and how the gas inside the balloon is taking up its own space because it has mass.

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