STEM-Balloon Buoyancy Experiment

Are you tired of hearing “I’m bored” for the 500^th time? Keep the kiddos learning and engaged with our STEM Buoyancy Experiment! This interactive activity fosters cognitive development with problem-solving, cause and effect, and an understanding of the power of helium.

Supplies:

• Balloon Time Helium Tank
• Bag of multicolored balloons
• Ribbon
• Medium sized gift bag: one per child
• Markers
• Matchbox™ cars
• TV remote, one for each child
• Small can of soup, one for each child
• Notepad and pen

Instructions:

1. Begin by blowing up 10-12 balloons with your Balloon Time helium tank
2. Secure balloons with ribbon and set aside
3. Give each child one medium-sized gift bag

For The Activity:

1. Have each child place 1 marker in each of their bags
2. Discuss how many balloons they think it will take to lift the bag with the marker in it, and record their guesses
3. Add balloons one at a time to see how many it requires to lift the bag, then have the children record the number
4. Next, remove the marker, and add a Matchbox™ car in each bag, once again asking how many balloons it will take to lift the bag while recording their guesses
5. Add balloons one at a time to see how many it requires to lift the bag, then have the children record those numbers
6. Next, remove the Matchbox™ car, and put a tv remote in- asking how many balloons it will take to lift the bag, and record those guesses
7. Once again, add balloons one at a time to see how many it requires to lift the bag, then have the children record those numbers
8. Finally, add a small can of soup, asking once more how many balloons it will take to lift the bag, recording the final guesses.
9. Once again, add balloons one at a time to see how many balloons it takes to lift the bag, and have the children record the final numbers
10. To finish, discuss the results with the children and determine who had more correct balloon guesses.

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Note: Adult supervision is required when using balloons and sharp objects. Please read all warnings and precautions on Balloon Time packaging.