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Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Magic Science Experiments » How to put a skewer through a balloon

How to put a skewer through a balloon

Modified: Jun 23, 2023 · Published: Mar 19, 2013 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

Do you know how to put a skewer through a balloon ? It’s surprisingly easy and a great science trick! If you’d like printable instructions for this you can find them with my other science printable experiments.

Skewer pushed through a balloon

What you’ll need to push a skewer through a balloon

Washing up liquid/Dish soap

Skewer – take care. These are sharp

Balloon – experiment with different sizes and shaped balloons

First, we tried using Vaseline rubbed on the skewer and the balloon, but although we could get the skewer in, the balloon always popped on the way out.

We tried again using washing-up liquid, and it worked!

You need to pierce the balloon through the bottom and top, where the rubber is thickest, and then push the skewer slowly but firmly into the balloon.

Top Tips

Poke the skewer through the part of the balloon where the balloon material is under the least strain. This is generally the two ends.

How does it work?

Balloons are made up of long chains of molecules called polymers, which are elastic enough to allow the balloon to stretch. The dish soap reduces surface tension on the balloon, helping the skewer pierce it.

The polymer chains of the balloon close around the skewer, which stops the air from escaping and allows the balloon to stay inflated.

Try piercing the ends of the balloon first, as this is where the balloon is under the least strain and so strongest.

Where would you pierce the balloon if you wanted it to pop?

More Easy Science Magic Tricks

All for the Boys has a great coin trick!

Make an unbreakable egg! All you need for this is come cling film and an egg!

unbreakable egg

Defy gravity with this easy magnet trick.

magnet trick

Make a coin disappear, or try one of our other easy magic science tricks!

Skewer through a balloon #sciencetrick #balloonskewer

Last Updated on June 23, 2023 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. HELEN

    March 19, 2013 at 1:38 pm

    that’s great – I think I will have to use this to impress the kids!

    Reply
  2. Susan

    March 19, 2013 at 4:12 pm

    How cool is that? Balancing the skewer through the balloon. Thank you for sharing our video and your cool version of it.

    Reply
  3. Laliv

    March 19, 2013 at 4:53 pm

    Very impressive! Thanks for sharing some great ideas.

    Reply
  4. alex

    March 20, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    oh, my kids LOVE this experiment, we’ve done it as well! We’ve even pushed the skewer all the way through! http://blog.anportraits.com/2012/03/19/stick-balloon-fun-seattle-area-lifestyle-photographer/

    Reply
  5. Emily

    March 20, 2013 at 10:01 pm

    Can’t wait to impress the kids with this! Xx

    Reply
  6. Mum of One

    March 21, 2013 at 8:56 am

    That is amazing! Love it!

    Reply
  7. Emma

    March 23, 2013 at 10:24 am

    One that my Six year old will adore, very clever! Thank you! 🙂

    Reply
  8. maggy, red ted art

    March 24, 2013 at 7:51 pm

    Ooh I remember doing this as a “party trick” as a child. You do bring back some brilliant memories!

    Reply
  9. Cat (Yellow Days)

    March 26, 2013 at 3:06 pm

    How clever. I fear I could get through quite a few balloons trying to perfect this.

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      April 02, 2013 at 4:55 pm

      yes, we did 🙂

      Reply
  10. Gary Johnston

    April 03, 2013 at 2:47 am

    Great experiment!

    Reply

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