Dry Ice Balloon Pop | Science Activity

In this Dry Ice Balloon Pop science experiment, we teach kids how to inflate a balloon using dry ice. The balloon is getting bigger and bigger until it blasts. There will be some WOW from kids when the balloon is getting bigger.

Age: 3+            Time: <30min

 Safety 

1. Beware of frostbite.
2. Adult supervision.
3. Stay away from the balloon when the balloon is getting bigger.

 Materials List 

• Balloon
• Dry ice
• Warm water
• Funnel (Top part of the plastic bottle)
• Cotton gloves

 Instruction 

Step 1/4 – Extend the balloon from the inside of the funnel to the mouth of the funnel.

Step 2/4 – Wear cotton gloves (it is very important. The dry ice is very freezing) and put the dry ice into the balloon.

Step 3/4 – Tie up the balloon.

Step 4/4 – Place the balloon on a tray and pour warm water onto the balloon. This is to accelerate the sublimating process. Watch the balloon getting bigger and bigger until it blasts. (the sound can be loud, pay attention, not to be scared)

 Troubleshooting 

Why my balloon did not pop?

—It can be that the gas is leaking from the balloon or too little dry ice was added to the balloon.

 Scientific Description 

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide which is the gas under room temperature. The dry ice will sublimate into carbon dioxide under room temperature. The dry ice in the balloon sublimates into the carbon dioxide gas that is what blows the balloon. Because this process needs heat so it absorbs heat from its surroundings that will become very freezing. That is why the water under the balloon turns into ice. The warm water is to accelerate this sublimating process.

 Extensions 

There are so many methods to blow up a balloon. Can you think of any?

Interested in dry ice?    Check our Cool Dry Ice Experiments for Kids to explore more about dry ice. Let's get started with this cool dry ice explore journey now!