Magic Jack-O-Lantern

This is a super-fun Halloween twist on our Fizzy Balloons experiment. It has been quite a while since we have done this experiment, so the boys had a great time watching the chemical reaction “magically” inflate the Jack-O-Lantern balloon. With a little prep work, this would even make a fun center activity for a Fall party at home or school!

(See similar ideas over at Mama Smiles and Bitz n Giggles)

Here’s what you’ll need: recycled water bottles, vinegar, baking soda, a funnel, and Jack-O-Lantern balloons.

Do NOT, I repeat do not, attempt to use a Sharpie marker to make your own Jack-O-Lantern balloons…you will end up with Sharpie all over the surfaces that the balloon will inevitably touch, trust me. Apparently “permanent” marker on a balloon is not actually so permanent after all. Go to your nearest party store or order these. :)

Use the funnel to fill the recycled water bottle about 1/4 of the way full.

Rinse and dry the funnel and then add baking soda into the balloon. I didn’t measure, but it most likely was around a tablespoon or two.

The “laboratory” test…

Place the lip of the balloon over the top of the bottle, with the contents of the balloon hanging loosely.

Lift the balloon so that it is straight above the bottle and the baking soda falls down into the vinegar in the bottle.

The chemical reaction will begin to inflate the balloon!

And now for the real test…

Big Brother is meticulously following directions and lifting the balloon straight up over the top of the bottle.

Whoa…he wasn’t expecting that!

I love the faces I captured on camera…his love for life will never cease to amaze me!

Little Brother was much more concerned with the end result (i.e. the balloon that he could keep forever…until it pops on a blade of grass, that is). :)

The Science Behind It: When the baking soda and vinegar mix, it creates a chemical reaction. We know this because we see bubbles. This chemical reaction gives off a gas which inflates the balloon.