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Inflate & Deflate! The Scientific Pufferfish!

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October 22, 2024 / DIY / Stem Activities / Chemistry / Age 3 - 5 / Inflating Pufferfish Balloon

When threatened or frightened, pufferfish quickly inflate themselves by taking in water or air, making them look like big round balloons. The pufferfish's inflation process is fascinating, and we can simulate it using common household materials. You'll see how a balloon can quickly inflate, just like an "angry pufferfish."

  • Age: 3-5
  • Time: Less than 30 minutes
  • Messiness level: A little messy

Materials Needed:

  • Markers
  • Scissors
  • Baking Soda
  • Vinegar
  • Balloon
  • Small Funnel (Optional)
  • Rubber Band
  • Disposable Glove or Small Plastic Bag
  • Measuring Cup or Small Container
Gather your kit for some spiky science fun! You'll need a selection of colourful balloons, a black marker pen, scissors, a small jug of water, a measuring spoon of bicarbonate of soda, a rubber band, and a small plastic bag. Let's get those pufferfish inflated!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Use a small funnel to put 4 spoonfuls of baking soda into the balloon. If you don't have a small funnel, you can make one using stiff paper.
  2. Getting those spiky bodies ready! A pair of hands carefully cuts a small section from a plastic bag, creating a neat and precise shape ready to form the base of our scientific pufferfish. It's all coming together swimmingly!
  3. Cut off a finger from a disposable glove and pour 15ml of vinegar into it. Tie the opening tightly with a rubber band to create a small vinegar pouch.
  4. Adding the magic ingredient! A pair of hands carefully pours bicarbonate of soda from a measuring spoon into a small funnel held over a deflated purple balloon. It's all systems go for some spiky science fun!
  5. Carefully insert the vinegar pouch into the balloon without breaking it. Then tie the balloon's opening tightly. Make sure the small plastic bag is separate from the baking soda in the balloon to avoid a premature reaction.
  6. Securing the spiky innards! A pair of hands carefully pushes a small plastic bag filled with bicarbonate of soda into the neck of a pink balloon, ensuring a snug fit. It's all ready for the big reveal!
  7. Draw a cute face and spots on the balloon to make it look more like a pufferfish.
  8. Adding some character! A hand uses a black marker pen to draw a cute face onto a purple balloon pufferfish, bringing a bit of personality to this spiky science project. Those are some rather charming expressions!
  9. Firmly tap the balloon to make the vinegar flow out of the pouch and react with the baking soda. Observe how the balloon inflates due to the chemical reaction.
  10. Ooh, look at that cheeky face! A hand adds the final touches to a pink balloon pufferfish, completing its cute expression. It's ready to inflate and surprise everyone with its spiky science!

The Science Behind It:

When baking soda (an alkaline substance) mixes with vinegar (an acidic substance), a chemical reaction occurs, producing carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide gas accumulates inside the balloon, pushing against its walls and causing it to expand and grow larger. This process is similar to how a pufferfish inflates when it feels threatened.

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