This science project is literally cool as it uses cold water or room temperature H20 and some balloons to complete the experiment. The balloon is exposed to the heat of a candle flame.



This project can be done by a 7th grade student or as an 8th grade science experiment. You can call it a middle school demonstration since both grades should achieve success with this project.

Materials needed for the demonstration:

•2 balloons

•Water

•Matches

•A tapered candle in a holder

Instructions for the experiment:

Light the candle with the match.

Blow up the first balloon and tie the end. Hold the balloon over the candle flame. You may want to cover your eyes with protective goggles. This balloon will pop and does so very quickly.

Relight the candle with another match. Fill up the other balloon with water. It does not matter what temperature the water is. Tie the end of this water filled balloon.

Hold this over the candle flame. What is happening? Nothing. The flame is not hurting the balloon skin. Why? The water is absorbing the heat and doing so very quickly that it avoids damaging the balloon or melting it in any way.

You will notice some black debris on the outside of the balloon. This is just carbon emitted from the candle flame burning. It can easily be wiped off with a damp paper towel.

Why did the water keep the second balloon from popping?

It is protecting the balloon and keeping it cool enough to not allow it to break. Do a little research before you demonstrate this to your audience about the actual heat coming from the flame and why and how the water can absorb the heat even though the balloon is the actual material touching the surface of the candle flame.

This is another cool science project idea for your next fair experiment.