Hooked on Science: Fireproof balloon

Materials

• Two balloons
• Water
• Grill lighter

Instructions

• STEP 1: Inflate one of the balloons and tie the end so the air stays inside.
• STEP 2: Have an adult ignite the grill lighter, place the flame under the balloon, and observe. What happens?
• STEP 3: Place 1/4 cup of water into the other balloon.
• STEP 4: Carefully inflate the balloon and tie the end so the air and water stay inside the balloon.
• STEP 5: Have an adult ignite the grill lighter, place the flame under the balloon, and observe. What happens?

Explanation

The balloon with water does not pop. The heat from the flame is transferred to the water, keeping the balloon from bursting.

Speaking of water, the ocean and the atmosphere are connected. Heat from the atmosphere is transferred to the ocean, and heat from the ocean is transferred to the atmosphere. El Nino is a warming of the eastern Pacific Ocean, mainly along the equator.

During a strong El Nino, the heat from the ocean is transferred to the atmosphere, causing major changes in the weather worldwide.