ICE BALLOONS

Materials needs 1 frozen ice balloon per group food colouring Thermometer Hand drill Stethoscope Salt Magnifying Glass Torch Large container- big enough to fit the balloons in. Plastic Tray

Preparation Fill a balloon with water and place it in the freezer at least two days before trying this investigation. Leave it in the freezer until the last possible moment.

This is a really fun activity but you will need some help from an adult. When you have finished click on me and we will choose another room to visit.

Method 1. Grasp the ice balloon in both hands. Record what it feels like. For example is it cold, warm, light, heavy, smooth, rough etc. 2. Carefully remove the skin from the outside of the balloon. Place the balloon inside the plastic tray. Observe the ice balloon. what can you see or hear? 3. Drop a small amount of food colouring on to the balloon. What happens? What can you see? Have a look at the balloon now using the magnifying glass. Can you see any patterns? 4. Predict what will happen if you place a small amount of salt onto the balloon. 5. Sprinkle a little bit of salt onto the balloon. Listen to the balloon using the stethoscope. What can you hear? 6. Now predict whether the balloon will be colder on the outside or the inside. Remember to record why you think this. 7. Ask an adult to help you drill a small hole into the centre on the balloon. Record the temperature on the inside and the outside. Which one was the coldest? Why do you think this is? 8. Can you think of a way to test whether the ice balloon will float or sink?