Science Smarts: A fun challenge for young scientists to try – but just don’t try too hard

By Patty Rooks on November 2, 2024.

I always like to challenge people! This is a fun activity as many of my younger scientists think they can do it. Be warned – make sure no one passes out from trying too hard! Let’s get started.
*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.
Materials
– Empty 500 mL water bottle
– Balloon
– Science helper
– Work area
Procedure
1. Find a sturdy surface to work on.
2. Holding on to the top of the balloon and push the bottom inside of the bottle.
3. Stretch the top of the balloon over the mouth of bottle.
4. Give the bottle/balloon to your science helper.
5. Ask them to try to inflate the balloon by blowing into it.
What is going on?
No matter how hard your science helper blows or tries, they will not be able to blow the balloon up! The balloon only expands slightly because the bottle is filled with air – I know this is hard to understand because we cannot see the air, it is colourless, but it DOES take up space. When you blow into the bottle, the balloon causes the air molecules inside the bottle to move closer together, but only slightly. The air is in the way of the balloon, thus preventing it from inflating.
We do not think of the bottle as being full, because the liquid is all out of it. We need to remember that air also takes up space.
It is official – bookings are not being taken for the Science Fair 101 Program! We are here to help support educators and students develop award-winning science fair projects. It is up to you as an educator how much or how little support you require; from introducing the scientific method, to ensuring your students have all of the steps required for their project to assisting with an in school science fair; we can have your students prepped and ready for the 50th annual Regional Science Fair on March 22, 2025! Space is limited so please book early.
Patty Rooks, senior scientific consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community.” Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: 12 826 11th Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403-527-5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca.
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