Homeschool Diaries: Fire-Resistant Balloons Science Experiment

Good Morning Lovelies! I am back with another experiment that I found over at Joann's blog. We did this one with some friends from our Homeschool Co-op. They came over for an afternoon of science fun!

When I was looking on Joann's Blog and came upon the Fire-Resistant balloons, I was skeptical. How could a balloon be placed under a flame and not pop? Well we were going to find out.

I had the kids each blow up a balloon. The Moms helped tie the balloons. The kids then each took a turn holding their balloons over the flame. We all predicated they would pop. The kids loved hearing that loud pop. They liked it so much, we let them do another round of air filled balloons :)

Next, we tried balloons filled with a bit of water. I filled it from the sink and then tied my balloon. It was amazing to see how the balloon didn't pop! I was quite impressed with this experiment. The kids were too! We were able to talk to the kids about the soot on the outside of the balloon and where it came from. We also talked about why the balloon didn't pop (I have included the reason behind this experiment below). I love doing hands on experiments with my littles. I swear I am learning just as much as they are! It is so fun to experience new things and learn together!

This is such a fun experiment and it only takes a few items you probably have around your house! I hope you get the chance to do something fun with your kids today. Try an experiment or two! You will have so much fun!

Taken directly from the Steven Spangler website, here is the explanation of this experiment:

How Does it Work?

"Water is a great substance for soaking up heat. The thin balloon allows the heat to pass through very quickly and warm the water. As the water closest to the flame heats up, it begins to rise and cooler water replaces it at the bottom of the balloon. This cooler water then soaks up more heat and the process repeats itself. In fact, the exchange of water happens so often that it keeps the balloon from ever popping! The soot on the bottom of the balloon is actually carbon. The carbon was deposited on the balloon by the flame, and the balloon remains undamaged." -Steven Spangler

So Cool right? Try it out with your munchkins this week. They will love it!

See more homeschool Diaries HERE

XO Danelle