Balloon Morphing Projects

Temperature Changes

• To examine the effects of temperature changes on gases use three balloons. Blow up the first balloon full and tie it closed. Mark it with a 1. Measure its circumference with a fabric measuring tape. Record this data. Blow up the second balloon so it is the same as the first and mark it 2. Blow up the third balloon the same way and mark it 3. Place the balloons in a very cold place for one hour and measure the circumferences again. Place them back into room temperature for 20 minutes. Place the balloons in a hot area for 10 minutes and measure again. Examine the data for changes in circumference.

Yeast

• Observe the effects of activating yeast with a balloon morphing project. Insert a funnel into a deflated balloon. Add 1 tbsp. of active dry yeast and 1 tsp. of sugar into the balloon through the funnel. Pour in 1 cup of warm water. Remove the funnel and tie the balloon. Measure the balloon's circumference. Place the balloon in a warm area and observe the balloon. Watch it grow in size as carbon dioxide is formed by the yeast. Remeasure it after 10 minutes.

Air Power

• Use the power of a morphing balloon air to fuel a rocket. Tie a 10-foot kite string onto a chair. Thread the string through a plastic drinking straw. Tie the string onto another chair of equal height. Blow up a balloon and hold it with your fingers. Tape it to the straw while it is at one end of the string. Let go of the balloon and watch its thrust action. As it deflates, the power of the air rushing out fuels the rocket.

Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

• Have students observe the reaction of lemon juice and baking soda inside a balloon. Pour 1/4 cup of water into an old plastic soda bottle. Add 1 tsp. of baking soda to the water and shake to mix. Pour it into the balloon. Add the juice of one lemon to the balloon and tie the balloon. The carbon dioxide that forms from combining the acid of the lemon juice with baking soda, which is a base, should inflate the balloon. Vinegar can be substituted for the lemon juice to produce the same chemical reaction.