Inflating Conversation Hearts

STEAM for Kids: Inflating Conversation Hearts

With a few ingredients most have on hand, this inflating conversation hearts experiment doesn’t take long – and not only is it cute, but it’s also a fun chemistry lesson! Simple messages on balloons are made to resemble Valentine’s Day conversation hearts. A simple experiment with a little WOW factor for your kids.

Supplies

An empty water bottle

4 Alka Seltzer tablets for each round

½ cup water for each round

A couple of balloons

A Sharpie

Instructions

Think of a few of your favorite conversation heart messages. Blow up each balloon slightly, pinch at the bottom and use the Sharpie to write the message.

Make a prediction about what you think might happen when you add the Alka Seltzer, water and balloon.

First, add two tablets of Alka Seltzer inside (we broke ours apart to fit inside).

Then, fill each bottle up with a bit of water.

Quickly but carefully, stretch the balloon mouth on the rim of the bottle. Viola! Feel free to repeat the experiment with leftover Alka Seltzer tablets.

When you pour water on Alka Seltzer tablets, carbon dioxide gas bubbles begin forming. These gas bubbles rise up in the bottle, filling the balloon with carbon dioxide gas. This allows the balloon to expand and “blow up”. We thought it was neat to see it expand with chemistry.