We had so much fun with this fun balloon experiment! It was easy and perfect to show the kids how to inflate the balloon using baking soda and vinegar.
The Macy’s Day parade is a classic part of Thanksgiving that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Most of us watch it at home, but a few lucky people get to see the event in person!
The Macy’s Day parade balloons are giant balloons filled with helium that require dozens of people to keep hovering above the streets. This means that it’s the perfect opportunity to learn how to inflate balloons at home!
You can try inflating your own balloon with a scientific reaction and make your own parade balloons for Thanksgiving!
Be certain to check out our Air Pressure Balloon Science Experiment as well because it’s another fun way to see the balloons blow up!
Fun Balloon Experiment For Kids
We won’t be using helium to fill our balloon, but instead, a chemical reaction! This is a great balloon activity that is perfect for a science homeschool lesson or a fun activity at home.
Just be certain that you’re there with them for parental supervision to make certain everything goes safely and smoothly.
Inflate a Parade Balloon for Thanksgiving Science!
Follow these directions to set up your own Thanksgiving Day balloon science experiment!
What you need for the inflate a balloon science experiment
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Bottle with narrow lid
- Balloon
Directions for the Inflating a Balloon Experiment
First, you need to fill up your balloon with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. It’s easiest to do this by putting the baking soda in the bottle, then putting the balloon over the top. Flip the bottle upside down, and the baking soda falls right into the balloon.
Remove the balloon from the bottle.
Add ½ a cup of vinegar to your bottle.
Place the balloon on the top, making sure no baking soda falls in yet!
When the balloon is secure, tip the baking soda into the bottle and watch as the balloon inflates.
Track how long the balloon stays inflated, and how long it takes to fully deflate.
Would carbon dioxide be a good filler for the real Macy’s Day parade balloons? Why or why not?
The Science Behind this Balloon Experiment
The balloon inflates because of a chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid, which means that when they mix, a chemical reaction occurs and carbon dioxide gas is given off as a by-product. It is the rising CO2 gas that inflates the balloon.
This is one balloon experiment that you can do over and over again. Change out the colors of the balloon and let each child have fun.
More Science Experiments for Kids
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