Science Experiments in Bottles
Cloud in a Bottle
Materials
- A match
- Warm water
- A 2-liter clear plastic bottle
Process
Start by filling the plastic bottle one-third of the way full of water. Then, screw on the cap. As the warm water evaporates inside the bottle, it will create water vapor. After a moment, take off the cap, light a match, and hold it right above the hole. Then, drop the match into the bottle and quickly screw the cap back on. This traps the smoke from the match in the bottle. Now, squeeze the bottle and release it. You will see a cloud appear inside the bottle.
Explanation
Clouds are visible accumulations of water droplets that are suspended in the atmosphere. Clouds are formed when air becomes saturated with water vapor and the vapor condenses around particulates in the air. Low pressure encourages clouds to form; squeezing the bottle and then letting go causes the air pressure inside to drop, thus creating a cloud.
Tornado in a Bottle
Materials
- Two 2-liter clear plastic bottles
- Water
- Duct tape
Process
Start off by filling one of the clear plastic bottles two-thirds of the way with water. Place the empty plastic bottle on top, lining up the openings, and duct tape them together securely. Then, flip the bottles over, so the plastic bottle with the water in it is on top. Swirl the bottles in a circular motion to form a tornado as the water rushes to the bottom.
Explanation
Tornadoes are formed by the interaction of rotating air during a thunderstorm. The swirling motion of the plastic bottles creates a similar shape with rotating water.
Soda Bottle Volcano
Materials
- A 2-liter plastic bottle of Coke (preferably Diet Coke)
- A roll of Mentos mint candy
- A blank piece of paper
- An index card
Process
Start by going outside: This experiment can get quite messy. Then, open the bottle of Coke and stand it up on the ground. Now, unwrap the Mentos. Form the sheet of paper into a tube and stack the Mentos inside, then place the index card across one end and tip it so the tube is standing upright. Put the card with the Mentos on top onto the top of the bottle of soda, lining it up so that the tube of Mentos is right above the hole. Then, pull out the card and get out of the way!
Explanation
Water molecules are highly attracted to each other, creating surface tension that holds the bubbles of carbon dioxide into the soda together. The Mentos dropped in the bottle have a rough surface that grabs onto carbon dioxide bubbles. As the candy sinks, it dissolves, releasing a little bit of gum arabic and gelatin that reduce the surface tension of the liquid. Combining all of these factors leads to an explosive reaction as the gas is pulled down to the bottom of the bottle and then forces the soda up and out.
Balloon in a Bottle
Materials
- A plastic bottle
- A balloon
- Ice water
- Hot water
- A large bowl
Process
Fill the bowl with ice water and set it aside. Take the hot water and fill the plastic bottle. Give it a good swirl, then pour it out, leaving the plastic bottle hot. Refill the plastic bottle one-fourth full of hot water, then quickly stretch the balloon over the opening of the bottle. Now, place the plastic bottle into the ice water.
Explanation
Hot air expands and cool air contracts, which can be seen in this experiment. When the bottle is put into the cold water, the air inside the bottle cools rapidly, contracting and sucking the balloon into the bottle.
Additional Science Experiments
- Ice Balloons: Chemistry and States of Matter Science Activity
- Nerve Experiment for Kids
- Googly Eye Slime Easy Science Experiment
- How to Make an Eggshell Disappear
- Make a Bouncy Ball
- Four Liquid Density Experiments to Try at Home
- Magic Milk Science Experiment
- Levitating Match Science Experiment
- Giant Fingerprints
- Elephant Toothpaste: Two Ways to Make It
- Blow the Biggest Bubbles
- Rock Candy Chemistry: The Science Behind Crystallized Candy
- The Leakproof Bag
- Hot and Cold Water Science Experiment
- Layering Liquids Density Experiment
- How to Make a Carbon Sugar Snake
- Real Science: Eggshell Sidewalk Chalk
- Sculpted Science: Turn Milk Into Plastic
- Making a pH Indicator Using Red Cabbage
- Cleaning Pennies
- Bulk Glass Bottles
- Egg in a Bottle Experiment
- How to Make a Lava Lamp
- Hot Dog Mummy Science Project
- How to Do the Dancing Popcorn Experiment
- Invisible Magic: Make Your Own Secret Messages and Drawings
- How to Make Your Own Compass
- Static Science: Help Daddy Balloon Grow a Beard
- Educator Guide: Simple Rocket Science
- Water Cycle in a Bag
