Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am doing a balloon metamorphosis project and you have to keep the balloon in a heated place for 20 minutes without any temperature change. I am doing this at home and the procedure says to keep the cold balloon in a freezer, but it doesn't give any recommendations on how to do the heat part of the project. How should I go about doing this? I need a quick answer. Please help! Thank you!

Hi kyh5685,

I'm assuming that you're working on the project described here:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... nd#summary

To heat up your balloon you could try putting it in a car parked outdoors on a sunny day. Or you could take the balloon outdoors on a hot day. Do not put the balloon in direct sunlight or under a heat lamp.

I hope this helps. Please ask again if you have more questions.

A. Norman

I don't think it is warm enough here, so are there any other options? And if there aren't, would it still work if the car was running and moving? we wouldn't open any doors or windows, as that could change the conclusion, but just wondering. Thank you so much!

Hi kyh5685,

My suggestion is to park the car in a sunny spot for a few hours. The sunlight coming through the windshield and windows will heat the interior of the car remarkably well even on a cold day. When the car interior is warm, put the balloon inside but out of direct sunlight.

If the car is running (and moving) you'd probably have the heating system on. Most car heaters have controls to keep the temperature within a set range. You might be able to set a high temperature on the car heater and warm the balloon while driving around.

I hope this helps. Please ask again if you have more questions.

A. Norman