Praxis Science Outreach Science Smarts: A Valentine’s Gift With Science

February 12, 2022

The latest Praxis ‘Science Smarts’ column in the Medicine Hat News (February 12). The article may also be found in the Medicine Hat News at https://medicinehatnews.com/life/local-life/2022/02/12/science-smarts-a-valentines-gift-with-science/ or via PressReader at https://www.pressreader.com/article/281827172186472

A Valentine’s Gift With Science

Patty Rooks

Time is running out if you are going to get your special Valentine a gift…just in case you cannot make it out to the store, I thought I could share a thoughtful gift to give that someone special in your life!

Let’s get started!

Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

• Empty 500mL water bottle
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Balloon (preferably red or pink to go with the occasion)
• Permanent marker
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Funnel

Procedure

1. Take the balloon and write a special message on it with the marker. I know it may be difficult to see right now, but JUST wait.
2. This will be a bit tricky but you need to add 15 mL (one tablespoon) of vinegar inside the balloon. I find this is easiest to do with a helper. The helper will pull the end of the balloon (you blow up) with their fingers and you will gently drop in the baking soda from a spoon. Set aside for now.
3. Measure and pour in 250 mL (one cup) of vinegar into the empty water bottle.
4. Carefully place the balloon over the mouth of the bottle. You have to be REALLY careful. You do not want the baking soda to fall into the bottle (yet). Just let the balloon ‘flop” over the side of the bottle.
5. Carefully place the balloon over the mouth of the bottle. You have to be REALLY careful. You do not want the baking soda to fall into the bottle (yet). Just let the balloon ‘flop” over the side of the bottle.
6. Watch what happens!

What is going on?

When baking soda is mixed with vinegar, a chemical reaction occurs. As you will see, this mixture quickly foams up due to the carbon dioxide gas that is a result of chemical reaction. This gas is then trapped inside of the balloon, allowing it to be inflated and display your special message!

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Do not forget about our Science Challenge each and every week in February! Some great prizes to be won. Find the details about the SE Alberta Regional Science Fair Challenge at https://www.seab-sciencefair.ca/data/userfiles/file/Science%20Challenge%202022%20Information.pdf

Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant – PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community

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