It’s still warm — ok, hot — in our part of Southern California, so this experiment from Steve Spangler Science was a fun way to cool off. We used it to discuss how air is “stuff” even though we can’t see it.
Air takes up space in a one-liter bottle, which you find out when you try to blow up the balloon inside the bottle. You can’t do it because the air already in the bottle has nowhere to go. When you poke a hole in the bottle, the air filling the bottle can escape as you blow air into the balloon. Really, the water balloon part is just for fun.
The boys enjoyed the final part of this experiment the most. The Steve Spangler team shows you how to splash your friend as he or she looks at your water balloon in the bottle. The boys got to splash Daddy, which they found hilarious. File this one away for April Fool’s Day.
The experiment requires only a few household items:
- One liter bottle
- Duct tape
- Balloon
- Tack or pushpin
- Water
You can watch the how-to video…..here.
Kirsten W. Larson 
Ooh! Remind me of this on April Fools Day! Sounds like fun! 🙂
I will try, but my memory is a sieve!
Would have liked to see you all trying it! Must try it myself!
I wish I had a picture, but we were trying to juggle the water bottle, etc. Of course, I might have needed a waterproof camera.
Sounds a hoot! Thanks Kirsten.
It is so fun for little kids. You have to try it.
I want to do this! 🙂
You probably have all the necessary equipment at home.
I have my afternoon planned. Bwa ha ha!
My kids will love this. Thanks!