“Let’s Dig In” with Science Time
with Sherry Ann Wolfer
www.letsdigin.com
http://sherryspurseparty.miche.com
Balloon Blow-Ups
Materials needed: balloons, baking soda, clear plastic soda bottle, vinegar, teaspoon and two funnels.
Directions: Pour 1 inch of vinegar into the bottle using one funnel. Put two teaspoons of baking soda into
the balloon using the other funnel. Bend the balloon in half and slide the opening onto the neck of the
bottle. Straighten out the balloon so the baking soda falls into the bottle. A teacher or adult must hold the
balloon tightly onto the bottle. HOLD THE BALLOON ON SECURELY!!!!! Watch what happens.
**Tips-Be careful when taking the balloon off—there might be some dry baking soda left inside the balloon. This activity works only
once in the bottle—it has to be cleaned out before it can be done again in the bottle. Have several clear clean bottles available
because this activity works once in the bottle ( then they have to be cleaned out for the next person). Use a knee high nylon stocking to
cover the balloon—Place the knee high stocking over the balloon before filling the balloon with baking soda.
Reaction/Response: The bubbles from the baking soda and vinegar mix together creating air/gas. There is
no where for the air/gas to go so it takes the empty space in the unfilled balloon which is why the balloon
expands.
Dancing Kernels/Raisins
Materials needed: two clear containers with lids, water, 7-Up soda and unpopped popcorn kernels.
Directions: Fill one container with 7-Up and the other with water. Label the containers “water” & “soda”.
Drop some kernels into each container and watch what happens. The kernels in the water sink. The kernels
in the soda go up and down. This process occurs because of the carbonation in the soda. Bubbles form on
the kernel causing them to float up and then when the bubbles pop they sink. The process repeats until the
soda becomes flat. **Tips-Any carbonated soda works. The clear sodas are easier to see through. Cherry 7-Up has a slight pink
color so it is easier to see which container is soda and which water. Use can pop verses 16 oz., 1 liter and 2 liter bottles. Do they react
the same and for the same amount of time? Raisins can also be used. To make an extended activity have children wash hands and
label each child’s container. Do experiment and let the raisins sit overnight. They will absorb the soda causing them to plump up. Let
the children taste the dry raisins and plump raisins. Do they taste the same?
Reaction/Response: The carbonation (bubbles) in the soda attaches to the kernels. The bubbles are full of
air and when attached to the kernels makes it light and float to the liquid surface. When the bubbles pop,
the kernels sink to the bottom. The process will repeat until the carbonation is gone.
EXAMPLES OF OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS TO ASK CHILDREN WHEN DOING SCIENCE:
Why does it work?
Why didn’t it work?
What can we add to change……?
What items are we using to do…..?
What will happen if we…..?
How can we change…..?
What do you think will happen if……?
Will it work if we add…..?
Will it change if we add…..?
Why did it change?
Does it have a smell?
What colors do you see?
What do you see happening?
What do you hear happening?
What do you smell?
How long did it take to work?
Was it an easy experiment?
Did you like what happened?
What do you predict will happen?
Were our predictions correct or incorrect?
Were our predictions incorrect?
What skills are we using with this?
Is there a way to change this?
Can we add anything else?