Affordable science: Noisy balloon

Are you looking for an affordable science experiment to do with the children? Here's one that's not only affordable, but one that will teach you and the family how to create unique sounds by using coins and balloons.

Materials

• 3 balloons
• Assortment of coins

Instructions

STEP 1: Push a coin through the opening of the balloon.

STEP 2: Blow up the balloon and tie off the opening.

STEP 3: Place the tied-off part of the balloon in the palm of your right hand, squeeze the balloon and then move your hand in a circular motion.

Explanation

The unique shape of the coin vibrates against the walls of the balloon, creating the strange noise.

Jason Lindsey is a Science Outreach Educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his website "Hooked On Science" at hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science. Send him your science questions at jlindsey@hookedonscience.org. More science experiments can be found at www.semissourian.com.