Name: ________________________________________ dDate: ______________________

YEAST BALLOON INFLATiON EXPERiMENT

Science Experiment

Materials:

1 packet of active dry yeast

1/2 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
1 balloon
Measuring cup and spoon
Funnel (optional)
Procedure:

1. Pour the packet of yeast into the measuring cup.

2. Add the warm water to the yeast and stir with a spoon until it dissolves.

3. Use a funnel to pour the yeast mixture into the balloon. Be sure to hold the neck of the
balloon tightly around the funnel to prevent any leaks.

4. Hold the neck of the balloon closed and shake it vigorously for a few seconds.

5. Set the balloon down on a flat surface and wait. You should start to see the balloon
inflate as the yeast begins to produce carbon dioxide gas.

Observations and Explanation:

When yeast is mixed with warm water, it begins to feed on the sugars in the water and
produce carbon dioxide gas as a byproduct. This gas gets trapped inside the balloon, causing it
to inflate. The resulting mixture inside the balloon is a type of "foam" that is created by the
fermentation process.

Note: While this experiment uses safe and common household materials, it is always
important to take proper safety precautions when conducting any science experiment. Make
sure to follow all instructions carefully and have adult supervision if necessary.

DRAW EXPERIMENT:
 YEAST BALLOON INFLATiON EXPERiMENT
In-Class Hypothesis & Observation Worksheet

Objective: To observe the inflation of a balloon caused by the production of carbon dioxide
gas through the fermentation of yeast.

Questions:

1. What is the purpose of the yeast in this experiment?

2. What is the purpose of the warm water in this experiment?

3. What do you think will happen to the balloon once the yeast mixture is added?

4. How do you think the balloon will inflate?

5. What do you think will happen to the balloon after 30 minutes?

6. Observe the balloon for the next 30 minutes and record your observations below.

7. Was your hypothesis correct? Why or why not?

8. What do you think would happen if you used cold water instead of warm water?

9. What do you think would happen if you added sugar to the yeast mixture?

10. What other factors do you think could affect the rate of inflation of the balloon?

Conclusion:

Based on your observations and results, what did you learn about the process of fermentation
and the production of carbon dioxide gas by yeast? How could this experiment be modified or
extended for further investigation?