Make Smash Apples

Turn a simple chemical reaction into a thrilling, self-inflating craft with these fun Smash Apples!

 

Materials Needed

• Vinegar
• Red food coloring
• Plastic wrap
• Rubber band or string
• Paper towel
• Clear balloon
• Baking soda
• Funnel
• Green construction paper
• Scissors

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix vinegar with a few drops of red food coloring in a small cup or beaker.

Step 2: Wrap 2 tablespoons of the red vinegar inside a small square of plastic wrap and tie it closed with a rubber band.

Step 3: Wrap a layer of paper towel around the plastic pouch and secure it tightly.

Step 4: Insert the wrapped pouch into the bottom of a clear balloon.

Step 5: Use a funnel to add 1 tablespoon of baking soda into the balloon around the pouch.

Step 6: Tie the balloon off at the top.

Step 7: Cut leaf shapes out of green construction paper and slip them over the tied knot of the balloon.

Step 8: Smash the balloon with your fist to pop the internal pouch, then watch your apple expand and listen to the fizzy reaction!

 

Learn More 

This self-inflating magic happens because of an acid-base chemical reaction! Vinegar contains acetic acid, while baking soda is a base called sodium bicarbonate. When you smash the balloon, the plastic pouch breaks and allows the vinegar to soak through the paper towel and mix with the baking soda. The two ingredients react instantly to create carbon dioxide gas. Because gas molecules spread out to fill whatever space they are in, the trapped carbon dioxide pushes outward against the stretchy balloon walls, inflating your craft into a big, round apple!

If your young scientist loved watching gas power this bubbly experiment, keep the chemistry excitement growing with the Kiwi Crate: Colorful Chemistry kit from the KiwiCo Store!