TITLE: Needle Through a Balloon
AUTHOR: Agnes Simon, Greenfield School;
Gilbert, AZ
GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT: 4 - 6, Science
OVERVIEW: This lesson can be utilized in a unit on
Chemistry specifically when discussing various molecules.
One kind of molecule is the polymer. This demonstration
and/or hands-on activity can allow children to experience
the polymer.
PURPOSE: This activity is designed to help children
understand polymers and to experience the enjoyment of
Science.
OBJECTIVES: Participants will be able to
1. insert a needle through a balloon
2. understand and explain polymers
3. explain why the needle can be inserted through a
balloon
RESOURCES/MATERIALS:
balloon
one of the following pointed objects:
30-35cm (12-14) upholstery needle
sharpened knitting needle
bamboo skewer
coat hanger wire sharpened to a point
a small amount of cooking oil
paper towel or cloth (optional)
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
Time: Getting ready: None
Doing the activity: 15-20 minutes
Safety and Disposal:
For personal safety, store the needle with the point
inserted in a cork when not in use. This also keeps the
needle point from becoming dull.
Procedure:
1. Inflate the balloon and tie it off. You might want to
let a little air out of the balloon before tying it
off, so it will be easier to puncture the balloon
without breaking it. Make sure the balloon is not
longer than the needle.
2. Dip the tip of the needle or bamboo skewer into the
cooking oil. Alternatively, use a paper towel or cloth
to spread the oil along the entire length of the
needle.
3. Using a gentle twisting motion, insert the needle into
the nipple end of the balloon, the end opposite the
knot, where the balloon is thicker.
4. Continue pushing and twisting the needle until it
emerges from the other side close to the tied end. The
balloon with not burst.
5. Pull the needle out slowly through the tied end. The
balloon will slowly deflate.
6. After the needle is out, jab the balloon sharply with
the needle, It will pop.
7. Ask the students why the balloon did not pop when the
needle went through it. Tell them that the balloon is
made of molecules (polymer chains) that stretch and
seal around the needle. When the balloon was jabbed
the molecules did not have time to stretch and surround
the needle.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: This activity can be an
introductory activity or used as part of a series of lessons
on polymers. Activities that can be used before or after
the balloon lesson are the Rubber Band Stretch,
Superballs (made from glue and borax ), and Glop (made with
cornstarch and water).
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