Apr 15, 2024 · 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. ... Chemical reaction science experiments using baking soda and vinegar are a lot of fun and are great learning opportunities. In this quick and easy experiment, we are going to use an endothermic chemical reaction and the resulting carbon dioxide caused by mixing baking soda and vinegar to inflate a balloon. Materials: Empty plastic or glass bottle Balloon 1 cup of vinegar 1/3 cup of baking soda ... ... Dec 1, 2024 · 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! They react together to form sodium acetate, water and a gas called carbon dioxide, or CO ... ... The more gas that is created, the larger the balloon will inflate. The baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction will continue to inflate the balloon as long as there is still baking soda and vinegar to react. Once the reaction between baking soda and vinegar has stopped, the balloon will slowly begin to deflate. ... Apr 13, 2020 · 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 ... ... Jan 7, 2023 · How does this baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment work? The baking soda and vinegar create an acid/base reaction. The baking soda is the base and the vinegar is the acid. When the two are mixed they work together to create a gas called carbon dioxide (CO2). ... When you added the baking soda to the vinegar, the two combined to make carbon-dioxide gas, which inflated the balloon. The expansion of the balloon changed the weight of your sealed flask because you and your entire experiment are submerged in a fluid: air. Just like water, air is a fluid, and fluids buoy up objects. ... Sep 4, 2015 · These baking soda and vinegar balloons were so much fun! Mix everything together and watch as the reaction creates carbon dioxide and inflates the balloons! As far as science experiments go, this is a pretty simple one. I love that we had all of the materials needed for it at home already, and that it was quick and easy to put together! And on top of that, it was pretty darn cool to watch the ... ... ">

Teach Beside Me

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.)

Baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment

How to Do the Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment:

Supplies you will need for this simple science experiment:.

baking soda and vinegar 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.

self inflating balloon experiment

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.

blowing up a balloon with vinegar and baking soda

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.

science project baking soda and vinegar balloon

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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Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment (Plus Free Worksheet)

It’s like magic!

balloon baking soda experiment

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..

A hand is shown pouring a small cup of baking soda into a blue funnel that is attached to a balloon in this step of the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment.

2. Fill the water bottle or other container about halfway with vinegar.

A few deflated balloons, a clear container with clear liquid, a small bowl with baking soda, and a funnel are shown on the table in this step of the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment.

3. Attach your filled balloon to the container with the vinegar. Make sure the seal is tight!

A hand is seen attaching a purple balloon to the top of a clear container with clear liquid in it.

4. Once you’re all set up, hold the balloon up so the baking soda gets released into the vinegar.

A woman is shown holding a purple balloon that is attached to a clear container.

5. Finally, watch the balloon blow up!

A woman with a shocked expression is seen holding an inflated purple balloon that is attached to a clear container.

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.

Elementary school girl looks amazed observing egg and vinegar science experiment alongside a printable experiment recording sheet.

Egg and Vinegar Experiment: How-To Plus Free Worksheet

It's so easy you'll want to do it again and again. Continue Reading

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Science Fun

Science Fun

Baking Soda Balloon Chemical Reaction Science Experiment

Chemical reaction science experiments using baking soda and vinegar are a lot of fun and are great learning opportunities. In this quick and easy experiment, we are going to use an endothermic chemical reaction and the resulting carbon dioxide caused by mixing baking soda and vinegar to inflate a balloon.  

  • Empty plastic or glass bottle
  • 1 cup of vinegar
  • 1/3 cup of baking soda

Instructions:

  • Use the funnel to add the 1/3 cup of baking soda into the balloon. 
  • Twist the neck of the balloon a few times to keep the baking soda from spilling out and set the balloon aside.
  • Rinse the funnel and then use it to add the 1 cup of vinegar to the bottle.
  • Next, carefully stretch the mouth of the balloon over the bottle opening. Be sure to keep the neck of the balloon twisted to keep any of the baking soda from falling into the bottle and reacting with the vinegar.
  • Once the balloon is securely attached to the bottle, allow the balloon the drape over to one side.
  • When you are ready, lift the balloon directly over the opening of the bottle and untwist the balloon.
  • Quickly shake out the baking soda.
  • Step back and observe. 

EXPLORE AWESOME SCIENCE EXPERIMENT VIDEOS!

balloon baking soda experiment

How it Works:

Once the baking soda falls from the balloon into the vinegar, an endothermic chemical reaction will begin to occur. Carbon dioxide will be released that will create pressure and inflate the balloon. 

Make This A Science Project:

Does the temperature of the vinegar effect the chemical reaction? Test different amounts of vinegar and baking soda. Try different sized balloons. Does the size and shape of the bottle effect the speed at which the balloon inflates. Does the addition of salt to the vinegar effect the chemical reaction and balloon inflation in any way?  

EXPLORE TONS OF FUN AND EASY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS!

balloon baking soda experiment

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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 fantastic chemistry for kids.

balloon baking soda experiment

Set up this fun balloon experiment as a demonstration for younger students to observe cause and effect, or for group work or individually with older students to explore chemical reactions.

💡 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.

Watch the video:

  • Baking Soda
  • Empty Water Bottles
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Funnel {optional but helpful)

balloon science experiment supplies including baking soda and vinegar

Experiment Set Up

Step 1. Blow up the balloon a bit to stretch it out first, and then use the funnel and teaspoon to add baking soda to the balloon. We started with two teaspoons and added a teaspoon for each balloon.

using funnel to fill balloon with baking soda for science activity

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. See our Valentine heart version and Halloween balloon experiment.

balloon baking soda science and chemistry for kids

What Makes The Balloon Inflate?

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!

They react together to form sodium acetate, water and a gas called carbon dioxide, or CO 2 . As the gas tries to leave the plastic container, it goes up into the balloon because of the tight seal you have created.

For younger students: Talk about states of matter – you have a solid (baking soda), liquid (vinegar) and a gas (carbon dioxide).

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 .

Turn It Into A Science Project

Here are some ways to turn this balloon activity into a true science experiment with clear variables , hypotheses , and data collection:

Choose A Question To Test:

  • How does the amount of baking soda affect the size of the balloon?
  • How does the temperature of vinegar influence the speed of balloon inflation?
  • What type of vinegar produces the most gas?

Use Precise Measurements:

  • Use a measuring cup or scale to quantify the vinegar and baking soda.
  • Measure the balloon’s circumference with a tape measure or string.
  • Use a stopwatch to time how long it takes for the balloon to fully inflate.

Record Date and Repeat If Needed : Learn more about applying the scientific method!

Click here to get your FREE Science Challenge Calendar

balloon baking soda experiment

More Fun Science Experiments To Try

  • Volcano Model: Make an erupting volcano with baking soda and vinegar.
  • Pop Rocks and Sod a: Here is another fun way to blow up a balloon using soda and pop rocks.
  • Bath Bomb Science: Mix baking soda, and citric acid, and test how water activates the fizzing reaction.
  • Lemonade: Make fizzing lemonade with lemons and baking soda.
  • Lava Lamp: Create a homemade lava lamp using oil, water and Alka Seltzer tables.
  • Test Acids and Bases: Make a natural indicator from red cabbage to test pH.

balloon baking soda experiment

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

balloon baking soda experiment

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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Science Experiments

Balloon Blow-up Science Experiment

Can you blow up a balloon without using your mouth? In this simple science experiment, we’re going to show you how to do it with only a few everyday items you probably already have in your home. It makes a great experiment for young children because the set-up is simple and it only takes a few minutes to get to the exciting finale.

In addition to a video demonstration and detailed printable instructions, we also have the scientific explanation of how this simple chemical reaction works making it perfect for older scientists too.

Balloon Blow Up Science Experiment

JUMP TO SECTION: Instructions | Video Tutorial | How it Works

Supplies Needed

  • Small Soda Bottle
  • Baking Soda

Balloon Blow-up Science Lab Kit – Only $5

balloon baking soda experiment

Use our easy Balloon Blow-up Science 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!

Balloon Blow Up Science Experiment Instructions

Step 1 – Start with some questions: How do you blow up a balloon? What if I told you that you couldn’t blow air into it, do you think you could still inflate (blow-up) the balloon? Then observe the supplies for the experiments. Do you think they can be use to blow up the balloon? If so how? Write down your hypothesis (prediction).

balloon baking soda experiment

Step 2 – Using a funnel, pour about a third of a cup of vinegar into the bottle. We used Apple Cider Vinegar, but any type of vinegar will work.

balloon baking soda experiment

Step 3 – Then insert another funnel into the mouth of the balloon. We recommend using two different funnels. One funnel for filling the bottle with vinegar and one for the balloon. However, you can do the experiment with only one funnel. Just make sure you completely wash and dry the funnel after you add the vinegar and before you put it into the balloon. This is very important.

balloon baking soda experiment

Step 4 – Place two teaspoons of baking soda into the funnel so it falls into the balloon. When the balloon is filled with the baking soda, carefully remove it from the funnel. 

balloon baking soda experiment

Step 5 – Next, secure the mouth of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle. Take your time doing this and don’t let any of the baking soda fall out of the balloon and into the bottom of the bottle. Take a moment to make some observations. What will happen if we lift up the balloon? Write down your hypothesis (prediction) and then test to see if you were right!

balloon baking soda experiment

Step 6 – While holding the bottle, lift the end of the balloon and allow the baking soda to drop into the bottle. 

balloon baking soda experiment

Step 7 – What happens to the balloon? Was your hypothesis correct? Wondering what caused the balloon to inflate? Find out the answer in the how does this experiment work section below.

Video Tutorial

How Does the Science Experiment Work?

When baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) are mixed together they create a chemical reaction that results in the formation of carbon dioxide gas. Gases do not have a specific shape or volume, rather they expand rapidly filling their container. Gases expand rapidly because their particles move at high speeds in all directions. As the carbon dioxide gas fills the bottle, it has nowhere else to go so it begins to fill the balloon. As the carbon dioxide gas fills the balloon, the balloon inflates. The more gas that is created, the larger the balloon will inflate.

The baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction will continue to inflate the balloon as long as there is still baking soda and vinegar to react. Once the reaction between baking soda and vinegar has stopped, the balloon will slowly begin to deflate.

An acid is a substance that tastes bitter, reacts with metals and carbonates, and turns blue litmus paper red. A base is a substance that tastes bitter, feels slippery, and turns red litmus paper blue.

Other Ideas to Try

Does changing the amount of baking soda and vinegar change the size of the balloon when it inflates? What would happen if you used another acid like lemon juice instead of the vinegar? Would it react the same with the baking soda?

I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions:

Balloon Blow-up Science Experiment

Instructions

  • Using a funnel, pour about a third of a cup of vinegar into the bottle. Tip: I used Apple Cider Vinegar, but any kind of vinegar will work.
  • Then insert another funnel into the mouth of the balloon. Tip: It is best to have two funnels, one for filling the bottle with vinegar and one for the balloon. If you only have one funnel, it is important that you completely wash and dry the funnel after you add the vinegar and before you put it into the balloon.
  • Place two teaspoons of baking soda into the funnel so it falls into the balloon. Then remove the balloon from the funnel.
  • Next, secure the the mouth of the balloon over the top of the bottle. Tip: Don’t let any of the baking soda drop into the bottle…yet!
  • While holding the bottle, lift the end of the balloon allowing the baking soda to drop into the bottle.
  • Watch in amazement as the balloon magically inflates!

Balloon Blow-up Science Experiment Steps

Reader Interactions

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November 2, 2017 at 11:00 am

Yeah but don’t just eyeball the measurements of things because if you use to much baking soda it will make the baloon spring a leak and all sorts of stuff will fly out and make a big mess.

I speak form experience

Seriously, don’t do this

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April 21, 2018 at 10:26 am

I did this experiment and it is perfect!

You need to hold properly the bottle when you mix the baking soda into vinegar.

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May 22, 2019 at 8:57 am

We’re doing science experiments at school and this one is brilliant! I loved it a lot.

' src=

June 22, 2020 at 11:15 am

I love this experiment! My balloon grew 6 inches!

' src=

June 19, 2023 at 11:17 pm

I tried and it worked well – Exited to do such experiment

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balloon baking soda experiment

Balloon Blow-Up Science Experiment

  • Written by Children's Museum Team
  • Posted on Monday April 13, 2020

mother and two children doing a balloon blow-up science experiment at home

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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balloon baking soda experiment

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Easy Vinegar and Baking Soda Balloon Experiment for Kids

By: Author Sara McClure

Posted on Published: February 12, 2018  - Last updated: January 7, 2023

Categories Homeschool , Kids Activities , Science

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Pink inflated balloon attached to a water bottle with baking soda and vinegar on a black background, baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment

This fun Vinegar and Baking Soda Balloon Experiment will have the kids squealing with excitement. Trust me, they'll want to do this easy science experiment for kids over and over again!

Much like our Sugar and Yeast Balloon Science Experiment , kids will learn how to blow up a balloon with vinegar and baking soda and learn a little chemistry at the same time.

Pink inflated balloon attached to a water bottle with baking soda and vinegar on a black background, baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment

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Material s Needed for the Vinegar & Baking Soda Balloon Experiment

This easy science experiment for kids only take a few common household materials, so it's a very frugal activity to do with kids. Frugal and easy are the best kind of kids activities, right? If you don't have these items, head to the closest dollar store and grab these items for cheap. Or, use the links below to order them. You will need:

  • Empty, recycled bottle from water or a soda (you'll want to make sure it has a small spout/lid, NOT something larger like a wide sports drink lid)
  • Baking Soda

How To Blow Up a Balloon with a Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction

For the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment, fill your empty water bottle about ⅓ of the way full with vinegar .

pouring vinegar into a funnel

Stretch the balloon over the funnel.

close up of child\'s hands stretching a pink balloon onto a white funnel spout

Use the funnel to fill the balloon with baking soda . It doesn't need to be all the way full--we didn't measure, but I'd say it was about 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda .

pouring baking soda into a funnel attached to a balloon

Carefully place the balloon over the bottle opening without dropping the baking soda in the bottle.

pink balloon attached to a water bottle

When you are ready, have your child lift the balloon to sprinkle the baking soda into the bottle.

Child\'s hand tipping the pink balloon over and letting the baking soda pour into the vinegar in the water bottle

Watch the balloon blow up from the chemical reaction. It will grow...

partially inflated balloon attached to a water bottle with fizz from a baking soda and vinegar reaction inside

and grow...

pink inflated balloon attached to a water bottle with fizz from a baking soda and vinegar reaction

My kids wanted to do this over and over again and I bet yours will, too! Be sure to have a bunch of balloons handy.

inflated balloon attached to a water bottle vinegar and baking soda

While you have the baking soda and vinegar out, you should make a volcano , too!

Why does baking soda and vinegar inflate a balloon?

The baking soda and vinegar create an acid/base reaction. The baking soda is the base and the vinegar is the acid. When the two are mixed, they work together to create a gas called carbon dioxide (CO2). Gasses need a lot of room to spread out and the carbon dioxide starts to fill the bottle and then moves into the balloon to inflate it. Pretty cool, huh?

More Easy Science Experiments for Kids:

Simple Science: Testing for Air Magic Light Bulb Balloon Science Experiment Simple Science: Observing Snowflakes Moon Crater Science Experiment

pink inflated balloon attached to a water bottle

In this easy science experiment for kids, blow up a balloon with a vinegar and baking soda reaction.

  • Empty, recycled bottle from a bottled water

Instructions

  • Fill your empty bottle about ⅓ of the way full with vinegar. Set aside.

close up of child's hands stretching a pink balloon onto a white funnel spout

How does this baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment work? The baking soda and vinegar create an acid/base reaction. The baking soda is the base and the vinegar is the acid. When the two are mixed they work together to create a gas called carbon dioxide (CO2). Gasses need a lot of room to spread out and the carbon dioxide starts to fill the bottle and then moves into the balloon to inflate it. Pretty cool, huh?

Recommended Products

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Lucy's Family Owned - Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 32 oz. bottle (Pack of 2) - 5% Acidity

janae passer

Friday 5th of February 2021

This is cool! I am going to attempt it online during distance learning! :)

100 Screen-free Summer Activities for Kids | Happy Brown House

Wednesday 17th of April 2019

[…] 27. Blow up a balloon with vinegar and baking soda […]

COMMENTS

  1. Self Inflating Balloon: Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon ...

    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:

  2. Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment | Science project ...

    Carefully fit the balloon over the bottle opening (be careful not to drop the baking soda into the vinegar yet). Once the balloon is fitted snugly on the nozzle, hold up the balloon and allow the baking soda to fall into the vinegar. Observe the chemical reaction and effect on the balloon. Record observations.

  3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment With Free Worksheet

    Apr 15, 2024 · 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.

  4. Baking Soda Balloon Chemical Reaction Science Experiment

    Chemical reaction science experiments using baking soda and vinegar are a lot of fun and are great learning opportunities. In this quick and easy experiment, we are going to use an endothermic chemical reaction and the resulting carbon dioxide caused by mixing baking soda and vinegar to inflate a balloon. Materials: Empty plastic or glass bottle Balloon 1 cup of vinegar 1/3 cup of baking soda ...

  5. Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment - Little Bins for ...

    Dec 1, 2024 · 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! They react together to form sodium acetate, water and a gas called carbon dioxide, or CO ...

  6. Balloon Blow-up Science Experiment

    The more gas that is created, the larger the balloon will inflate. The baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction will continue to inflate the balloon as long as there is still baking soda and vinegar to react. Once the reaction between baking soda and vinegar has stopped, the balloon will slowly begin to deflate.

  7. Balloon Blow-Up Science Experiment - Children's Museum of ...

    Apr 13, 2020 · 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 ...

  8. Easy Vinegar and Baking Soda Balloon Experiment for Kids

    Jan 7, 2023 · How does this baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment work? The baking soda and vinegar create an acid/base reaction. The baking soda is the base and the vinegar is the acid. When the two are mixed they work together to create a gas called carbon dioxide (CO2).

  9. Wait, Weight, Don't Tell Me! - Exploratorium

    When you added the baking soda to the vinegar, the two combined to make carbon-dioxide gas, which inflated the balloon. The expansion of the balloon changed the weight of your sealed flask because you and your entire experiment are submerged in a fluid: air. Just like water, air is a fluid, and fluids buoy up objects.

  10. Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloons - One Little Project

    Sep 4, 2015 · These baking soda and vinegar balloons were so much fun! Mix everything together and watch as the reaction creates carbon dioxide and inflates the balloons! As far as science experiments go, this is a pretty simple one. I love that we had all of the materials needed for it at home already, and that it was quick and easy to put together! And on top of that, it was pretty darn cool to watch the ...