Hooked on Science: Trash bag hot-air balloon

Make a hot-air balloon with some materials from around the house.

Materials

* 30-gallon clear trash bag

* Four-slice toaster

* Large tub

Instructions

STEP 1: Place the toaster into the large tub.

STEP 2: Turn the toaster settings to the highest.

STEP 3: Push down each lever until the levers lock.

STEP 4: Place the open end of the trash bag over the large tub. Hold the trash bag until it fills with hot air and lifts into the air. Make sure the trash bag does not touch the toaster.

Explanation

The toaster heats up the air in the clear trash bag. When air is heated, it expands and become less dense. This causes the trash bag to lift into the air.

Jason Lindsey is a science outreach educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his website hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science.