Perot Museum of Nature and Science Closed

Photo credit: Perot Museum of Nature and Science

One of Dallas' favorite museums has closed today and tomorrow due to Winter Storm Cleon, but they have made sure to continue engaging and inspiring. 

See below for a fun experiment provided by the Perot Museum of Nature and Science that is sure to entertain all on such a cold day.



Cold Air, Warm Air
Ever wonder why warm air rises and cool air sinks?

Materials you will need:
Plastic water bottle (16 ounce size)
Balloon
2 medium-sized mixing bowls
Ice water
Hot water (not boiling)

Directions:
1. Place your balloon over the opening of your water bottle, completely sealing the top of the bottle.
2. With the help of an adult, pour heated water (not boiling, be careful) into one of the medium-sized mixing bowls. Fill the bowl about half way.
3. With the help of an adult, pour water from the tap into a medium sized bowl with 10 or so ice cubes about halfway.
4. Place your water bottle with balloon into the bowl with heated water, submerging the bottom half of the bottle. Wait a couple of minutes. What happens to the balloon?
5. Remove the bottle from the water, and let it cool to its normal temperature. 6 Place your water bottle with the balloon into the bowl with ice water, submerging the bottom half of the bottle. Wait a couple of minutes. What happens to the balloon?

Explanation:
Heating the molecules in air cause them to move faster and spread out. Heated air molecules expand and need more space, so it stretches out the balloon. When air molecules are cooled, they move slower and closer together. Cooled air molecules contract and need less space, so the balloon deflates. Since warm air requires more space than cold air, it is less dense, which causes it to rise.

Please check PerotMuseum.org for details and future operating hours updates.