Lesson Plan: Explore the Magic of Science with 3 Simple Balloon Experiments!
Lesson Plan: Explore the Magic of Science with 3 Simple Balloon Experiments!
Grade Level: 3-5
Subject: Science
Objective: Students will conduct three simple science experiments using balloons to explore concepts such as air pressure, chemical reactions, and static electricity.
Materials Needed:
- Balloons (assorted colors and sizes)
- Empty plastic soda bottle
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Small funnel
- Hair or woolen cloth
- Writing materials for reflection
Procedure:
1. Introduction (10 minutes):
- Begin the lesson by discussing the concept of scientific experiments and the importance of hands-on learning.
- Introduce the three experiments students will conduct using balloons and explain the scientific concepts they will explore.
2. Experiment 1: Balloon Inflation with Vinegar and Baking Soda (20 minutes):
- Instruct students to stretch a balloon over the mouth of an empty plastic soda bottle.
- Using a small funnel, have students carefully pour vinegar into the balloon, filling it about one-third full.
- Instruct students to add a teaspoon of baking soda to the bottle, quickly stretching the balloon's opening to cover the bottle's mouth.
- Observe as the chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda causes the balloon to inflate.
3. Experiment 2: Balloon Sticking with Static Electricity (20 minutes):
- Instruct students to inflate a balloon and tie it securely.
- Have them rub the balloon against their hair or a woolen cloth for about 30 seconds.
- Instruct students to bring the charged balloon near small pieces of paper or confetti and observe how the static electricity causes the objects to stick to the balloon.
4. Experiment 3: Balloon Rocket with Air Pressure (20 minutes):
- Instruct students to inflate a balloon and hold the neck closed.
- Tape a long string or fishing line to a wall or other stationary object.
- Attach the balloon to the string or line, ensuring it is secured tightly.
- Release the balloon and observe as the air rushing out propels the balloon forward.
5. Discussion and Reflection (15 minutes):
- Engage students in a discussion about their observations and the scientific concepts behind each experiment.
- Encourage them to share any surprises or challenges they encountered during the experiments.
- Facilitate a reflection session where students can write or draw their thoughts and observations from the experiments.
Common Core Labels Correlations:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3-5.2: Write informative/explanatory texts.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3-5.4: Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience.
- NGSS.3-5-ETS1-3: Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
Three experiments to do using balloons. Simple and easy to follow. Great for kids. The first experiment used pins and we see that if we increase the number of pins we push into the balloon we reduce the pressure on each pin and hence the balloon doesn't pop. If you try this experiment please be careful, you may want to consider wearing safety gloves and eye protection.The second experiment we us white vinegar and baking soda to fill a balloon with carbon dioxide, and in the last experiment we fill a balloon with water and find that it won't pop when held over a flame.Other Videos:Balloon Party Trick - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgKyTdtzIm8Magic Goop - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b13Pvd-xYw8Smoke Rings - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UliVk5_JCS0Cookie Dough Bowls - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWuTwGgnIf4Music: Super Friendly - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
