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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

    March 19, 2013 By Emma Vanstone 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 our 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 size 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 from 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 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 August 13, 2020 by Emma Vanstone

    « Learning about Swordfish
    Weighing and measuring »

    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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