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Description

A different way to demonstrate an acid-base reaction with vinegar and baking soda.

Resources

Materials: Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), Household vinegar (7-8% strength), Empty 0.5-L plastic water bottles (1 bottle per Cub), Party balloons (1 per Cub), Liquid and solid measuring cups, Funnel, drip pans to catch possible spills.

Instructions

Directions:

1. Give each Cub 1 plastic bottle and 1 party balloon. It is helpful to place the bottle in a drip pan (i.e., a rectangular cake pan or similar) to catch possible spills during the activity.

2. Have the Cubs take turns measuring 1/8 cup (one-eighth of a cup) of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) into the dry measuring cup and using the funnel to pour it into the neck of the balloon.

3. Have the Cubs take turns measuring 1/3 cup (one-third of a cup) of vinegar into the liquid measuring cup and using the funnel to pour the vinegar into the bottle.

5. Instruct the Cubs to hold their balloons carefully so that the bicarbonate of soda all stays in the bottom. Then, each person should carefully fit the neck of the balloon over the neck of the bottle, without releasing the bicarbonate of soda into the bottle.

6. Once each Cub has gotten a tight fit for the balloon, instruct them to hold onto their bottles firmly with one hand, while, with the other hand, lift up the bottom of the balloon so that the bicarbonate of soda falls into the bottle and reacts with the vinegar.

8. Observe what happens to the balloon when the vinegar reacts with the bicarbonate of soda. Why does this happen?

Tags

• science
• vinegar and baking soda

Badge Links

• Scientist - Vinegar