Saturday Family Fun: Screaming Balloons




The girls and I were watching a Steve Spangler science video this week, and I was inspired.  I usually am motivated by his videos to do some science experiments, and this particular one was so fun and easy, we actually did it!

Screaming Balloons:

Supplies:
1 bag 9-inch balloons
Several 1/4" hex nuts
Children

The balloons were 20 for $1.00 at the Dollar Store.  The hex nuts were 3 cents a piece at our hardware store.  Doesn't get cheaper or easier than that.

You simply place the hex nut in the mouth of the balloon, jiggle it to the bottom, blow it up and tie it shut.  Bada Bing, Bada Boom - you're ready for fun!

Hand said balloon to nearest child and tell them to shake it.  If they can get the hex nut swirling around the inside of the balloon just so, it makes a wonderful car-revving "screaming" sound.  Lower pitch if slower, higher pitch if it is moving faster.

A super easy object lesson if you are studying sound waves or motion.

Okay - it's just plain fun.  Homeschool parents are always looking for some teaching application.
   
http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experiments/screaming-balloon

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