Boo! Spooky Balloon Ghosts for Halloween
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September 28, 2024 / DIY / Stem Activities / Quick Easy Experiments / Age 3 - 5 / Spooky Balloon Ghost
This Halloween, make a self-inflating little ghost! It can be achieved with simple kitchen materials. It might look a bit scary, but it's all science! After it self-inflates, add eyes, a mouth, and arms to make it look as spooky as you like!
- Age: 3-5
- Time: Less than 30 minutes
- Level:A little Messy
Materials Needed:
- Plastic Bottle
- Black cardstock
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Spoon
- Scissors
- Balloon
- Pipe Cleaners
- Double-Sided Tape
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Put two spoonfuls of baking soda into the bottle.
- Pour a quarter of vinegar into the bottle, immediately place the balloon over the bottle's mouth. At this point, the mixture will bubble and react, releasing carbon dioxide, and the balloon will start to inflate.
- Cut out the ghost's eyes and mouth and stick them on the balloon.
- Fold pipe cleaners to make the ghost's arms, stick them to the bottle, and your spooky balloon ghost is complete!
Tips:
You can also first pour a quarter of vinegar into the bottle, put the baking soda into the balloon and mix it evenly, then place the balloon over the bottle. Once the balloon is in place, shake it to make the baking soda fall into the bottle. (Note: If it doesn't work the first time and you want to try again, make sure the inside of the bottle is clean and dry!)
The Science Behind It:
When an acid (like vinegar) and a base (like baking soda) mix, a chemical reaction occurs, producing carbon dioxide gas! This gas is what bubbles and creates foam in the bottle. By placing the balloon over the bottle's mouth, you create a sealed environment, causing the gas to flow into the balloon and make it inflate!
What other fun devices can you create inspired by this?
