Balloon Isometrics

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In this chemistry activity, learners will explore the concept of entropy. When learners stretch and unstretch a balloon, they will notice a change in temperature. This change is caused by the transferal of energy required to change the entropy, or internal disorder, of the material. This is an excellent way to explain a difficult-to-grasp scientific concept.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • rubber balloon (the wider the better)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
      • Heat Transfer
      • Thermodynamics and Entropy

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009