soda bottle balloon experiment

Self Inflating Balloon: Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment

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Have you ever tried the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment? This classic science experiment is really one of my favorites. It is an easy science experiment to do and it really is exciting to watch.  It creates a self-inflating balloon that kids think is the coolest!

The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar cause the balloon to inflate all on its own! It is a show-stopper experiment for kids.

(See more of my  STEM projects for kids.)

How to Do the Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment:

Supplies you will need for this simple science experiment:.

Plastic empty water bottle or soda bottles, cleaned out Large Balloon White Vinegar (acetic acid) Baking Soda (or sodium bicarbonate) Small  Funnel Spoon

TIP: Before starting the experiment, you will want to stretch out the balloon to make it more loose and easier to inflate.

Step 1- Pour 1-2 spoonfuls of baking soda into the opening of the balloon, using a funnel. You’ll need to shake it a bit to get it down into the base of the balloon.

Step 2- Use the funnel again and pour some vinegar into the empty plastic bottle until it is about an inch or two deep- maybe a few tablespoons of vinegar.  Exact amounts do not matter. Add a few drops of food coloring to change it up if you want- totally unnecessary.

Step 3- Carefully stretch the opening of the balloon around the mouth of the bottle leaving it hanging down until you are ready for the reaction.

TIP: Don’t let any of the baking soda dump into the bottom of the bottle while attaching it.

Step 4- When you are ready to see the chemical reaction happen, lift up the balloon allowing the baking soda to fall down into the bottle.

This is when the fun starts! Baking soda and vinegar mix to create an awesome chemical reaction. The gas from combining the two will escape as bubbles of carbon dioxide gas that cause the balloon to inflate. It’s impressive. The more gas there is created, the larger the balloon will get.

Your kids, if they are anything like mine, will beg to do the experiment again, then 10 more times! This is really a perfect science project for kids to try on their own.

If you do repeat it, you will need fresh vinegar in the bottle. Once a reaction happens, it is not quite so strong the second time through. The balloon does not usually inflate again unless the vinegar is fresh.My kids were amazed and wanted to do it again and again and again. Stock up on baking soda and vinegar if you are planning this one! Luckily they are both quite inexpensive.

(It’s a good thing they are both so cheap!)

The Science Behind It: Why the Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction Works?

When the baking soda and vinegar reaction happens, it is an acid-base reaction. Vinegar is the acid and baking soda is the base. This reaction between the two causes a gas called carbon dioxide to bubble and foam. This gas having nowhere else to go, expands the balloon making the self-inflating balloon happen.

Here is the chemical equation behind it: Baking soda + vinegar — yields carbon dioxide + water + sodium ion + acetate ion   There is more to it than that, but that’s the basic explanation.

Try some variations to see if other reactions work:

Will baking powder work instead of baking soda?

Would lemon juice work instead of vinegar?

Could you do the same thing with an alka-seltzer tablet and soft drinks?

Use the scientific method to investigate different variations on this experiment to see how they work.

Want More Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments?

We love the carbon dioxide reactions that these two substances create.

Check out these other ones we have done:

Easy Bottle Rocket Experiment

Bathtub Bottle Rocket

Film Canister Rocket Experiment

How to Make a Volcano experiment! (This one is fun because when the eruption occurs, the carbon dioxide bubbles pour over like lava!

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

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The great press’n seal experiment.

What a great idea! I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this experiment. My girls are 12 and 11 and still love doing at home science projects. Although they use Time4Learning science curriculum it is always fun to do your own.

Thanks for the idea!

Awesome! I’m making a list of simple, fun experiments to do this summer, and I’m adding this one to it! We don’t seem to get to these types of experiments during the regular school year! Stopping by from HHH and new follower! Thanks for sharing your experiment!

My boys loved this experiment too. 🙂

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I do experiments with 4 year old grandson, he loves this one. We did the volcano as well and now he explains what happens to everyone he wants to show it too. Thank you for sharing, it is fun teaching when the things work as well as yours.

fantastic from a grammy

Nice , it is possible to send easy experiments for kids with the help of video

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Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment (Plus Free Worksheet)

It’s like magic!

Kids and balloons go hand-in-hand so why not try a fun science experiment that incorporates a balloon or two? This experiment requires little more than what you already have in your kitchen cabinet. Grab a dash of baking soda, a splash of vinegar, and learn all about acids, bases, states of matter, and chemical reactions! Everyone will be amazed watching a balloon inflate without a single breath being blown.

Fill out the form on this page to grab your free printable recording sheet , and try the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment with your little scientists!

How does the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment work?

The baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment demonstrates a chemical reaction between an acid and a base. The baking soda acts as the base and the vinegar as the acid. When the two combine, carbon dioxide (CO2) escapes the container and causes the balloon to blow up.

What does this experiment teach?

This experiment teaches how different states of matter transform when combined. In this case, a solid (baking soda) and a liquid (vinegar) mix to produce a gas (CO2). Since carbon dioxide is the same gas that is released when humans breathe out, students will make the connection between human breath blowing up a balloon and the reaction of this experiment doing the same.

Is there a baking soda and vinegar balloon video?

This video shows how to do the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment, using just a few ingredients.

Materials Needed

To do the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment, you will need:

• Approximately 1/2 cup of vinegar
• Empty water bottle or similar container
• Baking soda
• Measuring spoon
• Deflated balloon

Our free recording sheet is also helpful— fill out the form on this page to get it.

Baking soda and balloon experiment steps:

1. blow up a balloon just enough to stretch it out a bit. then, use the funnel and measuring spoon to add about a teaspoon of baking soda inside the balloon..

2. Fill the water bottle or other container about halfway with vinegar.

3. Attach your filled balloon to the container with the vinegar. Make sure the seal is tight!

4. Once you’re all set up, hold the balloon up so the baking soda gets released into the vinegar.

5. Finally, watch the balloon blow up!

Grab our baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment worksheet!

Click the button below to get your worksheet. The worksheet asks kids to guess the correct order of the steps in the experiment. Next, kids must make a prediction about what they think will happen. They can use the provided spaces to draw what happens before and after they add the baking soda to the vinegar. Did their predictions come true?

Additional Reflection Questions

• What happened when the baking soda was added to the vinegar?
• Why do you think the balloon inflated?
• Why do you think the balloon eventually stops blowing up?
• What do you think would happen if we used more or less baking soda?

Can this experiment be done for a science fair?

Yes! If you want to do the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment for a science fair, we recommend switching up some of the variables. For example: Does the amount of vinegar matter? What if you run two experiments side by side with different amounts of baking soda? Which balloon filled up faster? Form a hypothesis about how changing the variables will impact the experiment. Good luck!

Looking for more experiment ideas? Check out our  big list of science experiments.

Plus, be sure to  subscribe to our newsletters  for more articles like this., you might also like.

Egg and Vinegar Experiment: How-To Plus Free Worksheet

It's so easy you'll want to do it again and again. Continue Reading

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Blow-up balloon

If a chemical reaction produces a gas, you might not notice it, unless the gas has a colour or a smell. This activity will show how you can capture the gas produced in a chemical reaction in a visually exciting way.

Printable downloads

Follow these steps….

Think and talk about…

• What can you see happening in the bottle?
• What is making the balloon inflate?
• Is it blowing up faster or slower than when you use your mouth??

Investigate…

• What happens if you use more baking soda? Or more vinegar?
• Time how long it takes to inflate and then repeat the experiment. Were the times similar?
• Try using a different size balloon and see what effect it has.
• What happens if you use a bigger or smaller bottle?

Did you know?

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Natural sources include volcanoes, decomposing vegetation and respiration from living organisms. Human sources include the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

What’s the science?

Because the balloon forms a seal around the bottle, the gas produced cannot escape, so it fills up the balloon.

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Science Experiments

Use a Bottle to Blow-up a Balloon Science Experiment

Can science blow up a balloon?

In this easy science experiment, kids can explore how matter behaves when heated and cooled. Watch our demonstration video, gather your materials, print out your instruction sheet to get started. Then, discuss your findings with our easy to understand explanation of how it works below.

JUMP TO SECTION:   Instructions  |  Video Tutorial  |  How it Works

Supplies Needed

• 8-inch Balloon
• Empty 2-Liter Bottle
• 2 pans (I used 9-inch square pans)
• Enough Ice & Cold Water to Fill one Pan
• Enough Hot Boiling Water to Fill another Pan

Can a Bottle Blow up a Balloon Lab Kit – Only $5

Use our easy Can a Bottle Blow up a Balloon Lab Kit to grab your students’ attention without the stress of planning!

It’s everything you need to  make science easy for teachers and fun for students  — using inexpensive materials you probably already have in your storage closet!

Use a Bottle to Blow-up a Balloon Science Experiment Instructions

Step 1 – Start with an empty two-liter bottle and secure a balloon around the mouth of the bottle. Helpful Tip: 8-inch balloons work best for this experiment. When we tried this with a 10-inch balloon, it didn’t inflate entirely.

Step 2 – Prepare two pans of water. Fill one pan with ice and cold water. Fill the other pan with hot boiling water. What do you think will happen if you place the bottle in the pan with the hot water? What do you think will happen if you place the bottle in the pan with the cold water? Write down your hypothesis (prediction) and then follow the steps below.

Step 3 – Place the bottle in the pan with the hot water. Hold it in the pan for 30-40 seconds. Watch what happens to the balloon and make some observations. Does the balloon inflate? What do you think will happen if you remove the bottle from the pan with the hot water?

Step 4 – Remove the bottle from the hot water and place it on the table for a few seconds. Notice that the balloon stays inflated. What do you think will happen if you put the bottle in the pan with the cold water? Is this different than your first prediction?

Step 5 – Place the bottle in the pan with the cold water. Hold it in the pan for 30-40 seconds. Watch what happens to the balloon and make some observations. Does the balloon deflate? What do you think will happen if you remove the bottle from the pan with the cold water? 

Step 6 – Remove the bottle from the cold water and place it on the table. The balloon will remain deflated.

Do you know the why the balloon inflated and deflated throughout the experiment? Find out the answer in the how does this experiment work section below.

Video Tutorial

How Does the Science Experiment Work

Even though the bottle looks empty, it is actually filled with air. By placing the balloon on top of the bottle, you trap the air inside of the bottle. This experiment is a great way to show how matter behaves when it is heated and cooled. Matter expands (gets bigger) when heated and contracts (gets smaller) when cooled.

When the bottle is placed into the pan of hot water, the heat from the water causes the air inside the bottle to heat up. As the air in the bottle heats up, the molecules of the air begin to move faster and take up more space. The air from the bottle then moves into the balloon causing it to inflate.

When the bottle is removed from the hot water, the balloon will stay inflated. This is because the air molecules in the bottle are still hot. If you leave the bottle out of the water for a while, it will eventually cool down. When the air in the bottle cools down, the molecules of air slow down, move closer together, and take up less space. This will cause the balloon to deflate.

When the bottle is placed into the pan of ice-cold water, the cold water causes the air inside the bottle to cool down. As the air in the bottle cools down, the molecules of the air slow down and take up less space because they move closer together. The air then moves out of the balloon and back into the bottle, causing the balloon to deflate.

More Science Fun

Want to learn more about what air can do? Then check out these other simple and fun experiments:

• Stab a Straw through a Potato – Yes, it really is possible and it’s all because of Air Pressure
• Upside down Water Glass – Turn a glass full of water upside down…without spilling a drop!
• Keep Towel Dry Under Water – Use simple science to keep the paper towel dry after submerging it in water

I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions:

• 8 inch Balloon
• Empty 2 Liter Bottle
• 2 pans (I used 9inch square pans)

Instructions

• Start with an empty two liter bottle and secure a balloon around the mouth of the bottle. Helpful Tip: 8inch balloons work best for this experiment. When we tried with a 10inch balloon, it didn’t inflate entirely.
• Prepare two pans of water. Fill one pan with ice and cold water. Fill the other pan with hot boiling water.
• Place the bottle in the pan with the hot water. Hold it in the pan for 30-40 seconds and watch the balloon inflate.
• Remove the bottle from the hot water and place on the table for a few seconds. Notice that the balloon stays inflated.
• Place the bottle in the pan with the cold water. Hold it in the pan for 30-40 seconds and water the balloon deflate.
• Remove the bottle from the cold water and place on the table. The balloon will remain deflated.

Reader Interactions

July 26, 2017 at 1:07 pm

I never knew you could inflate a balloon using a bottle! My kid is having a birthday party and I have been put in charge of balloon decorations. I think my little guy will like the neat little bottle trick, thanks!

February 7, 2022 at 9:50 pm

Nice experiment about the properties of matter by using the balloon.

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Balloon Blow-Up Science Experiment

• Written by Children's Museum Team
• Posted on Monday April 13, 2020

Blow-Up a Balloon Using Science! Ages 3+

Using items easily found at home, you can blow up a balloon without using your mouth or your own breath! This isn’t magic; it’s science!

This experiment demonstrates how states of matter can change – mixing a solid with a liquid to create gas! The science behind this balloon baking soda experiment is the chemical reaction between the base – baking soda – and the acid – vinegar. When the two ingredients mix together the balloon baking soda experiment gets its lift! The gas produced from the two ingredients is carbon dioxide or CO2.

Carbon dioxide is the same gas that is produced by the human lungs and is a biproduct of our respiratory system. We breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide.

Vocabulary:

• Extra Credit Word: Exothermic (absorbs heat, so it feels cold)

Balloon Blow-Up Experiment Materials:

• Empty 12-16 oz soda bottle (or any bottle about that size with a small neck)
• Baking Soda
• Small funnel
• Small measuring cup

Balloon Blow-Up Experiment Directions:

• Have your children scoop the baking soda into the balloon using the funnel
• Help your children put the vinegar into the flask using a pipette or small measuring cup
• Next, attach the balloon to the top of the flask; make sure not to pour the baking soda into the vinegar!
• Ask your children what might happen, and why.
• Count to 3 and everyone holds up their balloon so the baking soda falls into the vinegar, creating a chemical reaction and blowing up their balloon.
• Let the kids know what will happen scientifically SCIENCE: When baking soda and vinegar are mixed together, it creates a gas called carbon dioxide. The gas begins to expand in the bottle and starts to inflate the balloon. The more gas that is created, the larger the balloon will inflate.
• Follow up experiment: ask your children if they think blowing a balloon up using their breath is faster or slower than with baking soda and vinegar. Why? Test it out!

Check out these other STEAM activities that are sure to engage, entertain, and educate!

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Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment

Combine a fizzing baking soda and vinegar reaction with balloon play with this easy-to-set-up balloon science experiment for kids . Find out how to blow up a balloon with baking soda and vinegar. Grab a few simple ingredients from the kitchen, and you have fantastic chemistry for kids.

BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR BALLOON EXPERIMENT

Don’t have vinegar for this experiment? Try a citric acid like lemon juice, and check out our citric acid and baking soda experiment here.

• Baking Soda
• Empty Water Bottles
• Measuring Spoons
• Funnel {optional but helpful)

BLOW-UP BALLOON EXPERIMENT SETUP:

 Step 1. Blow up the balloon a bit to stretch it out some, and use the funnel and teaspoon to add baking soda to the balloon. We started with two teaspoons and added a teaspoon for each balloon.

 Step 2. Fill the container with vinegar halfway.

 Step 3. When your balloons are all made up, attach them to the containers making sure you have a good seal!

 Step 4. Next, lift up the balloon to dump the baking soda into the container of vinegar. Watch your balloon blow up!

 To get the most gas out of it, we swirled around the container to get it all going!

Optional Art: Go ahead and use a sharpie to draw emojis, shapes, or fun pictures on your balloons before filling them with baking soda.

BALLOON EXPERIMENT TIPS

My son suggested we try different amounts of baking soda in our experiment to see what would happen. Also, will the balloon size grow bigger if more vinegar is in the bottle?

Always encourage your kids to ask questions and wonder what will happen if…

This is also a great way to encourage inquiry, observation, and critical thinking skills. You can read more about teaching the scientific method to kids here.

Make predictions! Ask questions! Share observations!

Be cautious with the amount of baking soda you add, as the reaction will get bigger each time. Safety goggles are always great for young scientists!

You could see the difference in the baking soda we put in the balloons! The red balloon with the least baking soda inflated the least. The blue balloon with the most inflated the most.

What else can you do with baking soda? Check out these unique baking soda experiments!

HOW DOES THE BALLOON EXPERIMENT WORK?

The science behind this baking soda and vinegar balloon science experiment is a chemical reaction between an acid and base . The base is the baking soda and the acid is vinegar. When the two ingredients mix, the balloon baking soda experiment gets its lift!

That lift is gas, carbon dioxide, or CO2. As the gas tries to leave the plastic container, it goes up into the balloon because of the tight seal you have created. Check out states of matter experiments !

The gas has nowhere to go and is pushing against the balloon it blows it up. Similar to how we exhale carbon dioxide when we blow up balloons ourselves.

We love exploring simple chemistry you can do at home or in the classroom. Science that isn’t too crazy but is still lots of fun for kids! You can check out more cool chemistry experiments .

Read more about the science behind baking soda and vinegar experiments .

WHAT IS THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD FOR KIDS?

The scientific method is a process or method of research. A problem is identified, information about the problem is gathered, a hypothesis or question is formulated from the information, and the hypothesis is tested with an experiment to prove or disprove its validity. Sounds heavy…

What in the world does that mean?!? The scientific method should be used as a guide to help lead the process. It’s not set in stone.

You don’t need to try and solve the world’s biggest science questions! The scientific method is all about studying and learning things right around you.

As kids develop practices that involve creating, gathering data evaluating, analyzing, and communicating, they can apply these critical thinking skills to any situation.

Learn more about the scientific method and how to use it.

Even though the scientific method feels like it is just for big kids…

This method can be used with kids of all ages! Have a casual conversation with younger kiddos or do a more formal notebook entry with older kiddos!

Click here to get your FREE Science Challenge Calendar

MORE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS WITH BALLOONS

Have leftover balloons? Why not try one of these fun and easy balloon science experiments below!

• Explore physics with a balloon rocket
• Try this screaming balloon experiment
• Make a balloon-powered car
• Try a pop rocks and soda balloon experiment
• Learn about static electricity with a balloon and cornstarch experiment
• Bend water with a balloon.

Helpful Science Resources To Get You Started

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

• Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
• Science Vocabulary
• 8 Science Books for Kids
• All About Scientists
• Free Science Worksheets
• Science Supplies List
• Science Tools for Kids
• Scientific Method for Kids
• Easy Science Fair Projects
• Citizen Science Guide
• Join us in the Club

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

42 Comments

Need more info on experiments. Thanks, Miranda

What information would you like?

thanks a lot very funny experiment

Your welcome!

(I was thinking that the pint bottle was going to blow up I got really scared first time I saw a science magic) but I can make smoke come out of my mouth it is very simple

I’m doing a Science Fair Project on this, but I don’t know and how to do the table and graphs, like the data and stuff. Can you help me?

And it’s due May 18, 2016 🙁

this is cool thanks you verry much

Your welcome! Try drawing on the balloons too!

Does the size of the container or size of balloon have any affect on how the balloon will blow up?

Yes, it will because of the space the gas has to fill once the baking soda and vinegar are combined. Great experiment to try different sizes using the same amounts of both vinegar and baking soda.

my team did the balloon inflating thing and it was fun

Is it safe for kids to do this experiment in school

I would think it would be as it is just baking soda and vinegar. You would need to use your best judgement of course. We have never had a balloon explode.

hi this is STEM project . can anyone explain how to connect – T technology E Engineering M mathematics through this experiment . thanks in advance

I will look into my information. Remember a STEM project does not need to contain each of the 4 pillars of STEM but at least two. I can tell you we used math {measuring} and science {chemical reaction}.

Definitely is cool

i love yo stuff

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If we wanted to use this for a science fair project what would the Question asking be?

How much baking soda/vinegar is needed to inflate balloon completely. Or, which acid is better vinegar or lemon juice? Do different shape balloons fill better?

We just did this experiment, but we only used one balloon. My kids are 2.5, 4 and 7 so we have a range of ability levels, but I wanted to add my kids’ favorite part! We took the balloon off the bottle and tied it shut, careful not to lose the gas. And then I blew a balloon up the same size, I asked them which one they thought would hit the ground first as I held them even in the air. Try it out!!

That’s awesome! We will def have to try that. What a great idea!

Where did you find your containers to hold the baking soda and vinegar?

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Blow Up a Balloon Using Just Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar 

Blow Up a Balloon Using Just Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar

January 2019

Blow up a balloon using just bicarbonate of soda and vinegar in this simple science experiment

You will need.

● Clear bottle ● Vinegar ● Balloon ● Bicarbonate of soda ● Funnel 

The Experiment

1. Pour 4 tablespoons of vinegar into the bottle. 2. Use the funnel to add 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda into the balloon. 3. Pull the neck of the balloon over the neck of the bottle without releasing any bicarbonate of soda. 4. Lift the balloon so that the bicarbonate of soda falls from the balloon into the bottle and mixes with the vinegar. 5. Watch the balloon inflate on its own.  

The Science 

The bicarbonate of soda and vinegar react together to make an acid-base chemical reaction which produces carbon dioxide gas. Once the carbon dioxide fills the bottle it expands into the balloon, causing it to inflate. 

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Easy Vinegar and Baking Soda Balloon Experiment for Kids

By: Author Sara McClure

Posted on Published: February 12, 2018  - Last updated: January 7, 2023

Categories Homeschool , Kids Activities , Science

Sharing is caring!

This fun Vinegar and Baking Soda Balloon Experiment will have the kids squealing with excitement. Trust me, they'll want to do this easy science experiment for kids over and over again!

Much like our Sugar and Yeast Balloon Science Experiment , kids will learn how to blow up a balloon with vinegar and baking soda and learn a little chemistry at the same time.

*Affiliate links are present.*

Material s Needed for the Vinegar & Baking Soda Balloon Experiment

This easy science experiment for kids only take a few common household materials, so it's a very frugal activity to do with kids. Frugal and easy are the best kind of kids activities, right? If you don't have these items, head to the closest dollar store and grab these items for cheap. Or, use the links below to order them. You will need:

• Empty, recycled bottle from water or a soda (you'll want to make sure it has a small spout/lid, NOT something larger like a wide sports drink lid)
• Baking Soda

How To Blow Up a Balloon with a Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction

For the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment, fill your empty water bottle about ⅓ of the way full with vinegar .

Stretch the balloon over the funnel.

Use the funnel to fill the balloon with baking soda . It doesn't need to be all the way full--we didn't measure, but I'd say it was about 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda .

Carefully place the balloon over the bottle opening without dropping the baking soda in the bottle.

When you are ready, have your child lift the balloon to sprinkle the baking soda into the bottle.

Watch the balloon blow up from the chemical reaction. It will grow...

and grow...

My kids wanted to do this over and over again and I bet yours will, too! Be sure to have a bunch of balloons handy.

While you have the baking soda and vinegar out, you should make a volcano , too!

Why does baking soda and vinegar inflate a balloon?

The baking soda and vinegar create an acid/base reaction. The baking soda is the base and the vinegar is the acid. When the two are mixed, they work together to create a gas called carbon dioxide (CO2). Gasses need a lot of room to spread out and the carbon dioxide starts to fill the bottle and then moves into the balloon to inflate it. Pretty cool, huh?

More Easy Science Experiments for Kids:

Simple Science: Testing for Air Magic Light Bulb Balloon Science Experiment Simple Science: Observing Snowflakes Moon Crater Science Experiment

In this easy science experiment for kids, blow up a balloon with a vinegar and baking soda reaction.

• Empty, recycled bottle from a bottled water

Instructions

• Fill your empty bottle about ⅓ of the way full with vinegar. Set aside.

How does this baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment work? The baking soda and vinegar create an acid/base reaction. The baking soda is the base and the vinegar is the acid. When the two are mixed they work together to create a gas called carbon dioxide (CO2). Gasses need a lot of room to spread out and the carbon dioxide starts to fill the bottle and then moves into the balloon to inflate it. Pretty cool, huh?

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janae passer

Friday 5th of February 2021

This is cool! I am going to attempt it online during distance learning! :)

100 Screen-free Summer Activities for Kids | Happy Brown House

Wednesday 17th of April 2019

[…] 27. Blow up a balloon with vinegar and baking soda […]

Science Fun

States Of Matter Balloon Science Experiment

In this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to use a balloon to investigate if a solid plus a liquid can equal a gas? 

• Baking Soda
• Clean and dry bottle (Glass or plastic)
• Small funnel

Instructions:

• Using the funnel, add two tablespoons of baking soda to the balloon.
• Now pour four ounces of vinegar into the bottle.
• Put the balloon over the mouth of the bottle. Two people make this job easier as one can hold the bottle steady while the other puts the balloon onto the bottle.
• Now lift the balloon and allow the baking soda to fall into the vinegar.
• Observe the chemical reaction and the effect on the balloon.

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How it Works:

When baking soda (solid) and vinegar (liquid) are combined, an endothermic chemical reaction occurs. This chemical reaction creates carbon dioxide (gas). Since the balloon is stretched over the mouth of the bottle, the carbon dioxide gas can not escape. The carbon dioxide gas creates pressure in the bottle and inflates the balloon. 

Make This A Science Project:

Try different amounts of baking soda and vinegar. Try cooling or heating the vinegar to test if the temperature effects the chemical reaction. Try different sized balloons and bottles. 

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Next experiment.

Fizz, Pop, Inflate: The magical balloon experiment with a chemical reaction

Chemical reactions happen all around us, sometimes without even knowing it. From baking a loaf of bread in the kitchen to rust forming on a metal surface outside, chemical reactions are happening everywhere. This experiment is a stepping stone to open your child’s eyes to chemical reactions!

This hands-on activity helps children grasp the concept that mixing different substances can create entirely new ones with unique properties. As they see the balloon inflate, they learn about the interaction between an acid (vinegar) and a base (baking soda), resulting in the production of carbon dioxide gas.

So take a deep breath of oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide (a chemical reaction!), because it’s time to start the experiment!

How to make the Fizz, Pop, Inflate Balloon science experiment

Supplies you will need.

For this experiment, you will need the following:

• Soda bottle

Before you start

Since we’re dealing with a chemical reaction, please watch your child when doing this experiment. You could even use safety goggles if you have them on hand.

Instructions

Here is how to do this experiment with your child:

Step 1: Pour baking soda into balloon

Take your balloon and, if needed, use a funnel to pour about one or two tablespoons of baking soda into it.

Step 2: Add vinegar to soda bottle

Next, pour about half a cup of vinegar into the plastic bottle. I used a funnel again (made sure to clean out the baking soda first!) and poured it into the soda bottle.

Step 3: Stretch balloon neck over the soda bottle

Stretch the opening of the balloon over the neck of the plastic bottle, making sure it’s secure.

As long as the balloon stays off to the side of the bottle (like in my picture below), the reaction shouldn’t begin yet.

Step 4: Watch the balloon inflate!

Here comes the exciting part! Lift the balloon so that the baking soda falls from the balloon into the vinegar in the bottle. It happens quickly, so be prepared!

As soon as the baking soda mixes with the vinegar, you’ll see a bubbling reaction occur. This is because the vinegar (an acid) and baking soda (a base) react together to produce carbon dioxide gas. The gas fills up the balloon, causing it to inflate.

The science behind the Fizz, Pop, Inflate Balloon experiment

This experiment teaches:

Chemical reactions

Measurement skills, critical thinking, how it works.

In the Fizz, Pop, Inflate experiment, we are mixing a base (baking soda) and an acid (vinegar) to create a chemical reaction.

The balloon is holding the baking soda and the plastic bottle holds the vinegar. When we place the balloon on the neck of the bottle and allow the baking soda to fall into the bottle, the chemical reaction between the acid and base begins.

When baking soda and vinegar mix, it creates carbon dioxide, which is what causes our balloon to inflate.

This experiment demonstrates a basic chemical reaction between an acid (vinegar) and a base (baking soda) to produce carbon dioxide gas. It helps kids understand that mixing different substances can lead to entirely new substances with different properties.

By measuring and pouring specific amounts of baking soda and vinegar, kids can practice basic measurement skills, such as using tablespoons and cups.

Here’s another measuring activity that dives into the very basics of measuring.

As we watch the balloon inflate, we can think critically about why it’s happening.

Prompt your child with questions like, “What do you think is causing the balloon to get bigger?” and “Why does this happen when baking soda and vinegar mix?”.

More chemical reaction experiments to try out with your child

• Fizzing Lemons: What happens when you mix baking soda and lemons?
• Race a Chemical Reaction Car!
• Make a Homemade Lava Lamp to Explore Chemistry

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Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment

What would you do to blow up a balloon? You must be blowing up balloons with your mouth or using air pumps. Do your children know how to blow up a balloon using baking soda and vinegar? If not, we are here to help you provide simple science experiments for kids to learn how baking soda and vinegar react to produce a gas responsible for blowing up a balloon. You can conduct a baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment using the materials available at home. This experiment will help little ones to observe the chemical reactions and learn the science behind how a balloon inflates using baking soda and vinegar. 

Contents 

• Easy Science Projects: Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment
• Aim of the Project
• Materials Required

Benefits of Learning Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment

Frequently asked questions on baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment.

Balloons are widely used as a decorative item in almost every celebration. Kids assist their parents and friends in blowing up balloons for the parties. Sometimes, they get tired of blowing so many balloons in a short time. Therefore, you can show a trick to kids on how to blow up a balloon effortlessly by conducting a small experiment. You can conduct this experiment for kids with two main ingredients, i.e. baking soda and vinegar easily found in the house. You can demonstrate this experiment to kids who are too young to perform, whereas little older children can perform this experiment under the supervision of elders. This is one of the best science experiments for toddlers , preschoolers and kindergarten kids. 

Easy Science Projects: Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment 

Do your children know any other alternative to blow up a balloon instead of using the mouth or air pumps? You can conduct an easy experiment for kids to learn how to blow up a balloon using baking soda and vinegar. This is one of the DIY science project ideas for kids. They can perform this experiment at home or in the classroom to learn the chemical reactions between the acid and base. Most importantly, it will enable kids to observe how gas produced from the reaction inflates the balloon. Check out the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment for kids in this article. 

Aim of the Project 

The aim of this experiment is to blow up a balloon using baking soda and vinegar under the supervision of elders. 

Materials Required 

• An empty bottle 
• A cup of vinegar 
• A tablespoon of baking soda

Procedure 

• Take off the cap of an empty bottle. 
• Pour a cup of vinegar into the bottle. 
• Add a tablespoon of baking soda into the bottle. 
• You can quickly place the mouth of the balloon on the bottle after adding the baking soda. 
• Observe and record the changes. 

In this experiment, kids observe that the balloon inflates due to the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar. The vinegar is acidic, whereas baking soda is the base. These two ingredients react to form water, sodium acetate and carbon dioxide. Therefore, carbon dioxide is the gas that forms bubbles inside the bottle enabling the balloons to inflate. 

Also, explore how to make bubbles.  

The benefits of learning how to blow up a balloon using baking soda and vinegar are mentioned below. 

• It develops observational, analytical and practical thinking skills in children. 
• It helps children learn chemical reactions between an acid and the base. 
• It enables children to understand the scientific reason for blowing up a balloon using baking soda and vinegar. 
• It creates interest among children to learn science and perform experiments. 
• It increases children’s concentration and helps them stay focused throughout the experiment. 
• It improves the academic performance of children. 

To know more information, explore science games for kids , STEM activities for kids in the kids learning section at Osmo.

How to conduct a baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment?

You can teach kids how to blow up a balloon using baking soda and vinegar by following the procedure mentioned in this article. To conduct this experiment, you need a balloon, a tablespoon of baking soda, a cup of vinegar and an empty bottle.

What are the benefits of learning baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment?

The benefits of learning baking soda and vinegar balloon experiments for kids are that it helps them observe the chemical reactions between baking soda and vinegar to produce gas, which is responsible for inflating the balloon. Besides, it will help kids enhance their scientific knowledge and observational skills while performing this experiment.

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more in Experiments

Blow up a balloon with yeast, you will need.

A packet of yeast (available in the grocery store) A small, clean, clear, plastic soda bottle (16 oz. or smaller) 1 teaspoon of sugar Some warm water A small balloon

1. Fill the bottle up with about one inch of warm water. ( When yeast is cold or dry the micro organisms are resting.) 2. Add all of the yeast packet and gently swirl the bottle a few seconds. (As the yeast dissolves, it becomes active – it comes to life! Don’t bother looking for movement, yeast is a microscopic fungus organism.) 3. Add the sugar and swirl it around some more. Like people, yeast needs energy (food) to be active, so we will give it sugar. Now the yeast is “eating!”

4. Blow up the balloon a few times to stretch it out then place the neck of the balloon over the neck of the bottle. 5. Let the bottle sit in a warm place for about 20 minutes If all goes well the balloon will begin to inflate!

How does it work?

As the yeast eats the sugar, it releases a gas called carbon dioxide. The gas fills the bottle and then fills the balloon as more gas is created. We all know that there are “holes” in bread, but how are they made? The answer sounds a little like the plot of a horror movie. Most breads are made using YEAST. Believe it or not, yeast is actually living microorganisms! When bread is made, the yeast becomes spread out in flour. Each bit of yeast makes tiny gas bubbles and that puts millions of bubbles (holes) in our bread before it gets baked. Naturalist’s note – The yeast used in this experiment are the related species and strains of Saccharomyces cervisiae. (I’m sure you were wondering about that.) Anyway, when the bread gets baked in the oven, the yeast dies and leaves all those bubbles (holes) in the bread. Yum.

MAKE IT AN EXPERIMENT

The project above is a DEMONSTRATION. To make it a true experiment, you can try to answer these questions:

1. Does room temperature affect how much gas is created by the yeast? 2. Does the size of the container affect how much gas is created? 3. What water/room temperature helps the yeast create the most gas? 4. What “yeast food” helps the yeast create the most gas? (try sugar, syrup, honey, etc.)

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Bottle Balloon Blow-Up Experiment

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If your child liked the Exploding Sandwich Bag Science Experiment or tried the Antacid Rocket Experiment , she’s really going to like Bottle Balloon Blow-Up experiments, although she might be a little disappointed when she finds out the only thing getting blown up is the balloon. 

Once she realizes that none of the various forces used to blow up the balloons in these experiments require her to use air from her lungs, she’ll be intrigued. 

Note: This experiment work best with latex balloons, but if any of your participants have using a different balloon will suffice.

What Your Child Will Learn (or Practice)

• The power of carbon dioxide gas
• The power of air pressure

Materials Needed:

• An empty water bottle
• A medium or large balloon
• Baking soda

Create a Hypothesis

This particular version of the experiment shows how the chemical reaction created by combining baking soda and vinegar is powerful enough to blow up a balloon. Talk with your child to see if she can predict what will happen when you combine baking soda and vinegar.

If she’s ever seen a science-fair volcano, remind her that these are the ingredients used in the volcano. Ask her to predict what will happen if you combine these ingredients when instead of leaving a hole in the top you cover the bottle with a balloon.

The Baking Soda Balloon Blow-Up Experiment

• Fill a water bottle one-third full of vinegar.
• Put a funnel in the neck of a balloon, and hold onto the balloon neck and funnel. Have your child pours in enough baking soda to fill the balloon halfway.
• Slide the funnel out of the balloon and have your child hold the portion of the balloon with the baking soda in it down and to the side. Stretch the neck of the balloon over the neck of the water bottle securely. Be careful not to let any of the baking soda fall into the bottle!
• Ask your child to slowly hold the balloon over the water bottle to let the baking soda pour inside.
• Continue to hold tight to the neck of the balloon, but move to the side listen and watch the bottle carefully. You should hear fizzing and crackling noises as the baking soda and vinegar solution activates. The balloon should begin to inflate.

What’s Going On:

When baking soda and vinegar are combined, the acetic acid in the vinegar breaks down the baking soda (calcium carbonate) into the basics of its chemical composition. The carbon combines with the oxygen in the bottle to create carbon dioxide gas. The gas rises, can’t escape from the bottle and goes into the balloon to blow it up.

Extend the Learning

• Experiment with different size bottles (half-size water bottles, liter bottles, or two-liter soda bottles, etc.) and balloons to see if the amount of oxygen in the bottle makes a difference in how fully the balloon expands. Does the size or weight of the balloon make a difference, too?
• Try varying the sizes of balloons and bottles and doing the experiment side by side with the variables changed. Which balloon blows up fuller? Which balloon fills up faster? What was the influencing factor?
• Use more vinegar or baking soda and see what happens. As a last experiment, you can also let go of the balloon when the baking soda drops into the vinegar. What happens? Does the balloon still blow up? Does it shoot across the room?
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Vinegar and baking soda balloon.

Does your curious chemist need some new inspiration? Set her up for an afternoon of science-fueled magic with a deceptively simple activity starring baking soda and vinegar. Who knew science could be so easy, affordable, and fun?

What You Need:

• Two-liter soda bottle
• 3/4 cup vinegar
• 1 tablespoon baking soda

What You Do:

• Have your child take the cap off her soda bottle. Make sure she saves it. You never know what science activity or art project may call for just such a cap.
• Help her practice placing the balloon's mouth on top of the open bottle top. She'll need to get good at doing this as quickly as possible.
• Let her pour the 3/4 cup of vinegar into the bottle.
• Have her position the funnel on top of the bottle.
• Pour the tablespoon of baking soda into the funnel.
• Quickly help your child take off the funnel and place the balloon mouth over the bottle opening. Hopefully, all that practice from before helped out!
• Make sure the balloon is centered and the mouth is pulled evenly down on the top of the bottle.
• Gently shake the baking soda and vinegar mixture.
• What happens? The balloon should partially fill with gas.
• Help your child remove and tie the balloon shortly after the fizzing stops.
• This isn't your average balloon -- instead of blowing it up with her own breath or a fancy helium machine, your child has inflated a balloon with only baking soda and vinegar! Can she think of other things her gassy mixture could inflate?

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