The Balloon Inflator
Grade 5
Strand: Understanding Matter and Energy
Topic: Properties of Changes in Matter
Expectations:
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2.3 Using scientific inquiry/ experimentation skills to investigate changes of state
and changes in matter
3.5 Describe chemical changes in matter as changes that are irreversible
Required Materials:
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60mL of vinegar
1 balloon
1 empty bottle
1 funnel
30mL of water
5mL of baking soda
Procedure:
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Pour the water into the bottle
Pour the vinegar into the bottle
Place the cap onto the bottle and shake well (to mix the two substances together)
Stretch out the opening of the balloon and use the funnel to put the baking soda
into the balloon
Remove the cap from the bottle
Without letting the baking soda leak out into the liquid in the bottle, seal the bottle
with the balloon
Lift the balloon to allow the baking soda to fall into the liquid
Scientific Explanation (for a student in grade 5):
The baking soda is a base and the vinegar is an acid. An acid is a substance that
tastes sour and it dissolves in water. A base is a substance that feels slippery. By mixing
these two ingredients together, we create an acid-base reaction (neutralization). This is a
type of chemical reaction and it is not reversible. We cannot extract our original
ingredients through the gas (carbon dioxide) we created. The balloon is a visual
representation to help show the gas created by the chemical reaction. The result of this
reaction created water, salt, and a gas. The water and the salt are created from the
neutralization reaction of mixing the acid and the base together. The carbon dioxide (the
gas) is created because the vinegar and the baking soda are not pure acid and base.
Opportunities and Considerations:
To enhance the students’ learning, the students can measure the time it takes for
the balloon to inflate at different water temperature. The students can also see if the size
of the bottle affects the time it takes for the balloon to inflate.
If students are handling the substances, they must wear gloves and eye protection.
Since there is a chemical reaction, students must be aware of the possible risks involved
with this activity. For instance, the balloon might fly off and injure them; therefore,
students must be responsible when working with these substances. For students with a
latex allergy, the balloon can be replaced with a sandwich bag sealed at the bottle with an
elastic band.
References:
Loeschnig, L. (2000). Giant Book of Science Fun. New York: Sterling Publishing
Company.
Presenters: Candy Mak and Katie Weiler-Dean