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Home » Early Years Science » Preschool Science » Easy Flying Balloon Science Experiment

Easy Flying Balloon Science Experiment

Modified: Mar 3, 2025 · Published: Aug 17, 2012 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 15 Comments

Have you wondered why balloons make a funny noise when you let them go? Have you also noticed how they move fairly gracefully in circles, then shoot super fast right at the end.

Today we experimented by blowing up a long balloon and letting it loose in the garden.

Why do balloons make a funny noise

The kids couldn’t believe how high the balloon rose in the sky and how much noise it made!

Why do balloons fly when you let them go?

The neck of a balloon is very tight. Air slips through it slowly, bit by bit. When we looked at it, the neck seemed to flap open and closed, which we think is why it’s noisy.

It moves because the balloon is a big piece of elastic. The rubber of the balloon is stretched and wants to return to its normal size. This forces the air out of the balloon. Air leaving the balloon in one direction exerts a force on the balloon in the opposite direction, pushing it forward. This is an example of Newton’s Third Law in action.

The balloon’s flight speeds up at the end because that is the point at which the elasticity of the balloon has the most inclination to return to its original shape. Have you noticed when you blow up a balloon that it is hard to get it going and then suddenly gets easier?  The same applies as it returns to its normal size, but in reverse.  So at the very end you have that quick shrinking to its original size which makes it surge forward…

Questions to think about

Is there a way we can make the balloon go in a straight line?

Can you make a balloon make different noises?

Why does the balloon end seem so wet after a few goes?

More science experiments using balloons

Make Balloon Rockets with Preschool Play and Learn.

Create burping balloons with baking soda.

Blow up a balloon with lemon juice to learn about chemical reactions.

Place a skewer through a balloon without bursting it.

image of a small jar with a balloon on top that has been blown up by the carbon dioxide released by yeast from respiration

Make sure you check out some of our other fun science experiments for kids.

Science concepts

Gravity

Newton’s Laws of Motion

Elasticity

Last Updated on March 3, 2025 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. JDaniel4's Mom

    August 21, 2012 at 11:20 am

    I know a little boy that would love this.

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      August 21, 2012 at 10:13 pm

      It is fab isn’t it?

      Reply
  2. maggy, red ted art

    August 22, 2012 at 6:42 pm

    Brilliant! SO MUCH FUN! I do LOVE Science 🙂

    Thank you for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!

    Maggy

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      August 24, 2012 at 9:51 pm

      Thank you Maggy!

      Reply
  3. Susan

    August 23, 2012 at 1:21 am

    Why is it after a balloon is deflated so many times that it then can it no longer be inflated? I know a little boy who gets very frustrated by this.

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      August 25, 2012 at 10:20 pm

      I’ve never had that happen as ours usually burst before then!

      Reply
  4. Carrie

    August 24, 2012 at 9:24 pm

    Oh, how neat! I love reading the reasons why things happen. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      August 24, 2012 at 9:49 pm

      So glad you liked it!

      Reply
  5. Amy

    August 25, 2012 at 5:13 pm

    My boys are so excited to try this experiment. Thanks also for including explanations for some of the questions I know they’ll ask. I love the opportunity to make fun and silly play educational!

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      August 25, 2012 at 10:21 pm

      Let us know how you get on!

      Reply
  6. Ticia

    August 31, 2012 at 1:53 pm

    Balloons always make great science in my book. Thanks for linking up to Science Sunday.

    Reply
  7. Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories

    September 01, 2012 at 4:06 am

    Great science fun!

    Reply
  8. Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas

    September 01, 2012 at 12:13 pm

    What a great experiment/activity – my girls would have so much fun with this. They adore balloons. I featured it on this week’s Sunday Showcase – thanks for sharing with us! Can’t wait to try it with my girls.

    Reply

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