1. empty plastic bottle filled half way with vinegar
2. 1 Tbs. of baking soda
3. balloon(s)
Procedure: Place balloon on funnel. Have students measure and pour 1 Tbs. of baking soda into the funnel. Have students gently remove balloon from funnel. Set balloon with baking soda aside. Use funnel in bottle and let student pour about 1/2 the bottle with vinegar. Use marker to mark measurement on bottle. Carefully place balloon over mouth of bottle, make sure the baking soda does not pour into vinegar, yet. On the count of 3, have students lift balloons and let baking soda fall into the bottle.
Concept: Chemical Reactions- Carbon Dioxide gas. Tip the bottle upside down and let all the ingredients fill the balloon. Touch the bottom of balloon to feel how cold these chemicals get.
Extension: Use yeast to replace baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to replace vinegar to make a different gas (oxygen). This experiment makes heat. It does not produce as much gas, but is much warmer.
Application to Real World: Why do helium balloons rise? Helium rises because it is less dense than the air. If it is less dense, then it will rise above the air until it meets a gas lighter than it. There are other gases lighter than air. You should experiment with other gases inside balloons.
