inflating 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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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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Self-Inflating Balloon Science Experiment

The self-inflating balloon science experiment is a true science experiment that would be perfect for science fairs or a science lesson. What kids learn in this lesson is that different chemical reactions and gasses can be used to inflate balloons. The real question is, will any of the balloons be able to float?

* This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. Click here for my   full disclosure.

What you’ll need for the self-inflating balloon experiment:

• Balloons (1 for each type of inflation material)
• Plastic squeeze bottles (1 for each type of inflation material)
• Baking soda
• Measuring cup

One thing to note before starting is that the yeast balloon takes some time to inflate. You’ll want to get that started before you dive into the other ones so you can compare them at the same time. We waited about 10 minutes after starting our yeast mixture to give it time to inflate before we did the other experiments.

What mixture will inflate a balloon the best?

Hypothesis:

The kids thought that the baking soda and vinegar would make the biggest balloon because they’ve made baking soda paint bombs before, and know the power of this reaction!

How to do the Self-Inflating Balloon Experiment:

To keep this scientific, add the same amount of inflation material into each bottle. We added about 3 tablespoons of hot water into one bottle, vinegar into another, and warm water into the third (for the yeast). We added 1 teaspoon of sugar along with half a yeast packet to the yeast bottle.

On top of each bottle, tape a balloon tightly around the spout so they can’t pop off.

Screw the lid on tightly to the yeast bottle and the hot water bottle.

Fill the cap with baking soda and quickly screw the lid onto the last bottle.

The baking soda and vinegar bottle will inflate the most and the fastest. In fact, ours nearly popped the lid off the bottle and made a huge mess, but we caught it in time. The yeast is a slow-inflating balloon, but it lasted the longest.

The hot water was barely enough air to help the balloon stand up straight.

What Kids Learn in the Self-Inflating Balloon Experiment

This experiment is a classic science experiment with a hypothesis, experiment, and results record. This experiment is simple, yet helps kids understand how the scientific process works. Additionally, who wouldn’t want to learn what the best replacement for helium in balloons is? Of course, some kids might be disappointed to learn that these balloons won’t actually float in the air, but that’s another lesson too! These balloons can’t float because none of the fillings are lighter than air!

Looking for more STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) projects and inspiration?

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1 thought on “Self-Inflating Balloon Science Experiment”

This is much easier to do if you use 12-20 oz soda bottles and regular balloons instead of the water balloons pictured here.

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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 amazing chemistry for kids at your fingertips. The science you can play with, too!

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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Self Inflating Balloon Science Experiment: An Easy Science Project To Do With Kids

My son hates blowing up balloons [thanks to a balloon that blew up on his face once]. So this self inflating balloon science experiment is one he likes.

It’s very easy to do too. And if your child is looking for a science project to do this year , you might want to have a look at this experiment.

Topics : chemistry, air, carbon dioxide, balloon experiments , kitchen science

You will need:

• baking soda 
• small glass bottle

The Self Inflating Balloon In The Gally Kids Headquarters

We did this experiment one Saturday afternoon when my son was just getting a little bit tired of all the educational experiments and activities we were doing (something I had planned for a series of videos on our Gally Kids Youtube channel ).

So I ended up doing a lot of the work while he watched the experiment (while playing with his Ultra Stealth Rider) and saying “Oh, it’s just like the erupting volcano!”

So yeah. If you have a child who has done an experiment with vinegar and baking soda ( or have one of the preschooler Chemistry science kits – which usually has this experiment included ) you’ll probably get exactly the same reaction.

But we are testing a different thing in this self inflating balloon experiment.

We’re showing the “explosion”. Instead, we’re showing them that a new gas is formed when these two things react with each other.

The baking soda went in first. 

Well, to be honest, I did the vinegar first- which is a huuuge mistake! This meant that the funnel got wet and the baking soda wouldn’t get stuck to the funnel instead of flowing straight into the balloon. 

So don’t do that. 

After the baking soda, put the vinegar in the glass bottle.

Now a side note to the bottle. We used a small bottle here. And I suggest you do the same for a bigger and more spectacular balloon size.

Now comes the tricky part. This is when you put the balloon on the opening of the glass bottle. Young kids might need help with doing this properly.

Make sure that it’s tight and secure, all else, the pressure will cause the balloon to dislodge and all that air will escape.

Also when doing this, don’t let the baking soda fall into the vinegar yet.

And finally, it’s time to pour all that baking soda in.

As soon as they touch each other, a chemical reaction takes place. Bubbling starts and the balloon starts to inflate. I was surprised at how big the balloon inflated.

The Instructions: The Quick Version

• First, using the funnel, pour all the baking soda in the balloon.
• Then put the balloon aside and pour the vinegar into the small bottle using the same funnel.
• Next, carefully fit the balloon into the bottle opening. Make sure the baking soda doesn’t fall in while you’re doing this. And most importantly, make sure the balloon is tight and secure.
• Finally, pour all the baking soda in the vinegar
• Voila! your self-inflating balloon.

Self Inflating Balloon Experiment Video

Explanation.

When baking soda and vinegar mix, a chemical reaction takes place.

This chemical reaction produces carbon dioxide which you can “see” from all the bubbles.

Now all this extra air has nowhere to go except towards the balloon. And as the heavier carbon dioxide pushes the air, it inflates the balloon.

• The size of the inflated balloon will depend on many variables such as the size of the bottle and the vinegar and baking soda ratio.
• Make sure the balloon is tight and secure on the bottle opening or else it might slip off as soon as the reaction takes place releasing the carbon dioxide into the air.

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Science project, self-inflating balloons.

Grade Level: 4th through 8th; Type: Chemistry

Start a chemical reaction that will make a balloon inflate itself!

Research Question:

What happens when you mix an acid and a base?

• Water bottle
• Small balloon
• Teaspoon of baking soda

Experimental Procedure:

• Put the water bottle where it will stand upright securely, or have a partner hold it. Fill it halfway with vinegar.
• Give the balloon a good stretching, like you would if you were about to blow it up.
• Use the funnel to put the baking soda inside the balloon. Gently shake the balloon until all the baking soda goes to the bottom.
• Making sure none of the baking soda gets into the water bottle, carefully stretch the opening of the balloon until it’s completely over the opening of the water bottle. If it’s not a tight fit, your balloon is probably too big and you should use a smaller one instead.
• Once the balloon is attached to the water bottle, lift the rest of the balloon so that the baking soda falls into the vinegar. You might have to give it a gentle shake to make sure it all goes in.
• Watch the balloon inflate! What’s happening here is the vinegar, an acid, is creating a chemical reaction with the baking soda, a base. When the two substances mix, you get carbonic acid, which is unstable and decomposes (falls apart) to become carbon dioxide (the gas that’s filling the balloon!) and water. Since the carbon dioxide is much less dense than the stuff you used to create it, it wants to expand, and the balloon is stretchy enough to allow it to do just that!

Terms/Concepts: fluids, density

References: Phineas and Ferb Science Lab, published by Scholastic, Inc., pp. 12-13 (2011).

Related learning resources

Add to collection, create new collection, new collection, new collection>, sign up to start collecting.

Bookmark this to easily find it later. Then send your curated collection to your children, or put together your own custom lesson plan.

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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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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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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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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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.

20 Balloon Experiments to Make Your Lessons Really Pop

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Small Science Club

Self-inflating balloons.

With just a few household items you can save your breath with this experiment and make balloons inflate themselves!

• In one balloon put a couple of teaspoons of baking soda in it. Make sure it goes right inside the balloon and put a food clip or clothes peg on the balloon neck where it joins the balloon to keep it all in.
• Quarter-fill the empty bottle with vinegar.
• Carefully and firmly place the balloon right over the neck of the bottle, making sure that no baking soda escapes.
• In the other balloon put a couple of teaspoons of small sweets/candies in it, and again clip the balloon to keep them in.
• Take the lid off the cola or lemonade bottle and place the balloon firmly over it, making sure no sweets escape.
• Now - take the clip off each balloon and quickly tip the balloon contents into their bottles. Stand back!

Which balloon inflates the most and the fastest?

So what's happening?

In the first balloon, when the baking soda ( bicarbonate of soda , a base ) and vinegar ( acetic acid ) mix together a chemical reaction begins, and one of the products of that reaction is the same gas that we also breathe out, carbon dioxide . This is trapped by and inflates the balloon as the pressure inside the balloon increases!

In the second balloon, when the sweets hit the fizzy ( carbonated ) liquid the sweets cause carbon dioxide to rapidly bubble from the liquid. This is because up-close the sweets have a lot of rough surface area which helps bubbles form (the sweets provide nucleation sites ) and the gas escapes from the drink and into the balloon. This makes the balloon puff up fast!

What would happen if you:

• Used sugar granules or cubes in place of sweets?
• Used water in place of the vinegar?
• Used smaller balloons like water bomb balloons?

You will need

• Bottle of cola or lemonade
• An empty bottle
• Two balloons
• Two food clips or clothes pegs
• Small sweets/candies (Nerds and popping candy work well)
• Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)

Safety info

This experiment might involve pops, bangs, loud noises or explosions - use appropriate safety wear, be mindful of pets, and be careful.

This experiment might get messy or be a stain risk - use appropriate safety wear, cover surfaces, and be careful.

Adult supervision must be provided at all times.

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Self-Inflating Balloon Experiment

• March 25, 2020
• No Comments

If the children in your life are anything like mine, they LOVE to experiment!  It is so fun to watch their facial expressions, as they experience the chemical reactions that take place, such as in this self-inflating balloon experiment.  It’s a mixture of pure joy and wonder!     

In this self-inflating balloon experiment, children use an acid-base reaction to inflate a balloon.  However, there are countless variations that can be done, which I list below. 

In addition, this experiment can be performed by children of all ages.  Even my 2½ year old had a blast inflating her balloon several times!  Simply increase or decrease the difficulty or comparisons being made in this experiment, depending on the age of the child.

Supplies Needed

Chances are, you have all you need to perform this experiment right in your own home!  The equipment and materials lists are super simple. 

The equipment recommended for this experiment includes:

• Small Measuring cup
• 8 to 12 oz. Bottle

The only two materials needed for this experiment are:

• Baking Soda
• Distilled White Vinegar

The chemicals in this experiment are non-toxic and inexpensive.  Therefore, this is a great project for scientists of all ages to perform repeatedly!

The Experiment

To begin the experiment, first add about ¼ cup of vinegar to an 8 to 12 ounce bottle with a narrow opening.  Refrain from adding too much vinegar, as this will cause the reaction to fizz up into the balloon.

Next, pour 1 tablespoons of baking soda into a balloon.  It helps to use a funnel to perform this step.  We also found it helpful to use a toothpick to stir the baking soda into the funnel and break up any clumps that may have occurred.

Once the baking soda is in the balloon, affix the balloon to the mouth of the bottle, being careful not to get any baking soda into the bottle, just yet. 

Finally, lift the balloon up into the air, emptying the baking soda into the bottle.  Watch the balloon inflate, as the baking soda mixes with the vinegar! 

Tip:  Have your little scientist perform this experiment on a tray or in a shallow baking dish of some sort, just in case the bottle tips over and the mixture spills.

The Science

The balloon inflates as a result of a chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, a base) and vinegar (acetic acid), which produces an unstable carbonic acid. The carbonic acid immediately separates into water and carbon dioxide (CO2).  As pressure builds up in the bottle, the CO2 bubbles out of the bottle and into the balloon, causing it to expand.  The more CO2 that is created, the larger the balloon will expand!

Another interesting thing to mention is that the acid-base reaction is endothermic, which means the chemical reaction makes the mixture feel colder.

Self-Inflating Balloon Experiment Variations

Children will have a blast testing all sorts of variations to this experiment. Try these variations to see which chemical reaction is best at inflating a balloon!  To make the self-inflating balloon experiment even more educational, record your hypotheses and analyze the effects.

Consider measuring the size of the balloon before and after it has inflated.  Draw a 1 cm long black line on the balloon with a marker before adding the baking soda. After performing the experiment, record the time it took for the line to expand to 5 cm in length.

2. Change the Acid

Predict what will happen if you change the amount of vinegar.  (i.e. 2 tablespoons, ½ cup, etc.) Does this effect how long it takes the line to get to 5 cm in length?

Does it change the reaction if you use lemon juice , soda , or citric acid dissolved in water as an acid, instead of distilled white vinegar?

Predict what will happen if you use hot water instead of distilled white vinegar.  (Be sure to have an adult handle the hot water for little ones!)

3. Change the Base

Predict what will happen if you change the amount of baking soda.  (i.e. 1 teaspoon, 2 tablespoons, etc.)  Does this effect how long it takes the line to get to 5 cm in length?

Does it change the reaction if you use laundry detergent , an Alka-Seltzer tablet or a Mentos tablet as a base, instead of baking soda?

4. Temperature

Consider taking the temperature of the liquid in the bottle before and after the reaction. What has happened?

Predict what will happen if you change the temperature of the vinegar or other acid.  (i.e. refrigerated vs. room temperature, etc.)  Does this effect how long it takes the line to get to 5 cm in length?

5. Other Ways?

In what other way(s) can you change the amount of CO2 emanating from the chemical reaction to make the balloon inflate even more? Consider changing the chemicals, the size of the bottle, and the size of the balloon.

Tip:  While performing this self-inflating balloon experiment, remember to keep all other variables the same.

Acid-base experiments are fun to experiment with at any time of the year.  Fortunately, baking soda and vinegar are so inexpensive, children can experiment again and again and again!  So, stock up on these supplies.  You never know when you will need them for easy entertaining and loads of learning!  Good luck!

• Small measuring cup
• 8 – 12 oz. Bottle
• ¼ Cup White Vinegar
• 1 Tbsp Baking Soda

Instructions

• Pour white vinegar into a bottle.
• Use a funnel to pour baking soda into a balloon.
• Attach the balloon to the mouth of the bottle. Be careful not to get any baking soda into the bottle until you are ready to proceed with the experiment.
• Hold the balloon up and let the baking soda pour down into the bottle. Watch the balloon expand, as gasses fill the balloon!

Have you made a balloon self-inflate with your kids or grandkids?  Please share below.

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Kim’s Self-inflating Balloon Experiment

by Kesta | Jun 1, 2020 | Experiments | 10 comments

10 Comments

I had lots of fun trying this experiment. At first I did not use enough BiCarb so I did it again and it worked! I did some research to see what the gas is that makes the balloon inflate and found out it is Carbon Dioxide.

Thanks Charlie. Sounds like you know your science! I might have to get you on board as one of my official experiment testers.

I did it with my sister.mine was bigger then her`s.

I wonder why it was bigger, Anna-Lee. Did you predict it would be? It sounds like a fun competition to have with each other! Did you use exactly the same amount of bicarb as your sister?

i did it with my little sister

Great to hear, Charlotte! It sounds like you two have fun together. 🙂

and it was super duper fun!

Anna-Lee and Charlotte, if you have an experiment of your own that you’d like to share in The Experimenting Spot, send me a message via the contact page and I’ll happily put it up for others to try out with you two named as the ‘Contributing Scientists’. 🙂

I enjoyed testing this experiment and found out the following:

•Using the kitchen ingredients made the balloon inflate. •I used a 20cm size balloon and a medium bottle and that didn’t fill up the ballon completely. •When i shook the bottle, the gas inflated the balloon a little bit more but the second time it didn’t work.

Thanks for sharing your results, Salaam. I wonder how much more bicarb and vinegar you’d need with the same sized bottle and balloon to fully inflate the balloon.

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