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A Genius Idea
A Genius Idea for an epic celebration
- Secondary 1
- Secondary 2
- Secondary 3
- Secondary 4
- Secondary 5
15–30 minutes
A science challenge in which students explore ways to inflate a balloon without blowing into it. They’ll discover that mixing vinegar and baking soda creates a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide, which can be used to inflate the balloon. This activity introduces the concepts of chemical reactions and the scientific method.
Physical principles covered
- Chemical reactions
- Acid-base reactions
- Formation of gases (CO₂)
- Changes in matter
- Conservation of matter
Required materials
- 250 mL graduated water bottle
- Balloon
- Vinegar (≈75 mL)
- Baking soda (≈1 tsp.)
- Funnel
- Teaspoon
Concepts from the Québec Education Program
Science and Technology – The material world:
- Chemical changes
- Acid-base neutralization reactions
- The scientific method