This screaming balloon experiment is an awesome physics activity for young kids and older ones too! Explore centripetal force or how objects travel a circular path, with a few simple supplies. Physics really doesn’t have to be complex or difficult! We have loads more fun STEM activities for you to try!
FUN BALLOON EXPERIMENT FOR KIDS
BALLOON SCIENCE PROJECT
This balloon experiment is an easy way to get your kiddos excited about science! Who doesn’t love an easy science activity with noise?
Our science experiments have you, the parent or teacher, in mind! Easy to set up, quick to do, most projects will take only 15 to 30 minutes to complete and are heaps of fun! Plus, our supplies lists usually contain only free or cheap materials you can source from home.
Check out all our chemistry experiments and physics experiments!
Grab a balloon and a hex nut, and follow our step by step instructions below. Plus, make sure to read about the science behind this fun balloon experiment!
SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS
Science learning starts early, and you can be a part of that with setting up science at home with everyday materials. Or you can bring easy science experiments to a group of kids in the classroom!
We find a ton of value in cheap science activities and experiments. All our science experiments use inexpensive, everyday materials you can find at home or source from your local dollar store.
We even have a whole list of kitchen science experiments, using basic supplies you will have in your kitchen.
You can set up your science experiments as an activity focusing on exploration and discovery. Make sure to ask kids questions at each step, discuss what is happening and talk about the science behind it.
Alternatively, you can introduce the scientific method, get kids to record their observations and make conclusions. Read more about the scientific method for kids to help you get started.
Click here to get your free printable balloon project!
SCREAMING BALLOON EXPERIMENT
What else can you do with balloons? You want to try our favorite baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment!
SUPPLIES:
- Balloon
- Hex nut
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1: Stretch out your balloon.
STEP 2: Drop the hex nut inside and inflate the balloon. Be careful not to blow up the balloon too big as it will pop.
STEP 3: Tie the end to seal the balloon.
STEP 4: Hold the balloon at the stem end in your hand like a bowling ball and begin to spin it in a circular motion.
What do you hear? What does the hex nut do?
THE SCIENCE
What happens to the hex nut in the balloon when you spin the balloon around? The hex nut may bounce around at first, but it soon begins to roll around the inside of the balloon.
It is the round shape of the balloon that causes the hex nut to move in a circular path. The force at work here is ‘centripetal force’. It is a force placed on a body that makes it follow a curved path.
What about the screaming sound? The hex nut has six sides with flat edges, which cause the hex nut to bounce or vibrate inside the balloon. The screaming sound you hear is caused by the sides of the nut vibrating against the inside wall of the balloon.
Extend the activity by varying the shape of the balloon or the type of object inside the balloon. Can you make a sound with other objects?
MORE FUN PHYSICS ACTIVITIES TO TRY
Check out our simple machine worksheets for kids.
Explore the force of friction with this fun floating rice experiment.
Create your own DIY magnifier.
Build a simple pulley system.
Make a paper helicopter that actually flies!
FUN SCREAMING BALLOON EXPERIMENT FOR PHYSICS
Click on the image below or on the link for tons more easy kids science experiments.
